Loyalist College applauds the provincial government’s announcement today of budget investments to support the education, training and retraining of the workforce. “A well-educated and highly skilled workforce is essential to Ontario’s prosperity,” said President Maureen Piercy.” “The budget investments into the education and training of our workforce will help more businesses and industries to compete, and help more people to fulfill their potential and find meaningful and well-paying jobs.”
The 2008 Ontario Budget announcements include $75 million over three years to expand apprenticeship, $45 million over three years for state-of-the-art equipment for apprenticeship, $60 million over three years for equipment renewal, and new funding for capital improvements.
The budget also includes investments for a new Second Career Strategy, new funding for student aid and supports, and investments to support international students. The budget announcements are particularly important as Ontario addresses the skills shortage. Some sectors are currently struggling to find qualified employees, and this situation will intensify in the years ahead as the Baby Boomers retire.
The Conference Board of Canada estimates Ontario faces a shortage of more than 360,000 skilled employees by 2025. This could further escalate to a shortage of more than 560,000 skilled employees by 2030.
“The McGuinty government has correctly identified the skills shortage as a priority in Ontario,” President Piercy said. “This budget recognizes Ontario must produce greater numbers of college graduates to meet the workforce challenges throughout our economy.”
Media Contact: Dianne Spencer, External Relations & College Advancement, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2235