Should Ontario Require Apprentices on Public Infrastructure Projects?
Official title: Apprentices on Government Funded Infrastructure Projects
Ontario wants to know if government-funded construction projects should be required to hire apprentices. Why? Many skilled tradespeople are retiring, and the province needs to train replacements. The ministry is looking at adding apprenticeship requirements to how it awards contracts for roads, transit, and other public projects.
Why This Matters
Thinking about a career in the trades? This could mean more paid training spots on big construction projects. For parents, it's about whether your kids will have pathways into well-paying skilled jobs. And if you're a contractor, new hiring rules could be coming your way.
What Could Change
Government contracts for roads, hospitals, and transit could require contractors to hire a minimum number of apprentices. This would create more hands-on training spots in construction trades. Procurement rules would change to include apprenticeship targets.
Key Issues
- Which types of infrastructure projects should require apprentices?
- Which regions of Ontario should be prioritized for implementation?
- What existing apprenticeship practices or frameworks work well?
How to Participate
- Read the proposal summary on this consultation page to understand what's being considered.
- Submit your feedback using the comment form by the deadline.