ST. CATHARINES — Ontario Shipyards Inc., the owner of shipbuilding and repair facilities in St. Catharines, Hamilton and Thunder Bay, is receiving $10 million from the provincial government to train workers.
Premier Doug Ford made the announcement Wednesday in St. Catharines, saying all levels of government need "to step up and recognize the extraordinary potential of this industry and its workers by ensuring that much-needed Canadian vessels are built in Ontario, by Ontario shipbuilders."
A lack of skilled labour was one of the key reasons cited by Ontario Shipyards when it suspended operations at its Thunder Bay facility earlier this year.
Information about how the provincial funding might impact the Thunder Bay shipyard was not immediately available, and the company has not released details.
However, the government announcement stated the company will deliver training, re-skilling and up-skilling programs for careers in the millwright, welding, electrical and painting trades in St. Catharines, Hamilton and Thunder Bay.
It said courses will include shipbuilding, ship repair, shipyard orientation, and health and safety procedures, along with professional development, leadership training and mentoring to recruit and retain the next generation of workers.
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