Ontario Working for Workers by Investing Over $1.6 Million in Training for Good Jobs in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough

The Ontario government is working for workers by investing $1,607,925 in three local projects that will be delivered by Fleming College and Trent University through The City of Kawartha Lakes. These projects will offer local workers and job seekers with the training they need to pursue the in-demand and well-paying jobs within our community.

“This is incredible news for local jobs seekers and employers in Kawartha Lakes and Peterborough County,” said Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “These three local programs delivered by Fleming College and Trent University will help people upgrade their skills and get connected with good, local jobs that are in-demand now and in the future.” 

The City of Kawartha Lakes, Trent University and PKED have been awarded $822,392 from the Skills Development Fund for a new Community Concierge project. This innovative project strives to ensure a resilient workforce by supporting the entry of recent graduates into the labour market, and supporting local and rural employers to fill skilled job vacancies.

“This coordinated effort between government and education is a great thing for students in Kawartha Lakes,” said Andy Letham, Mayor of the City if Kawartha Lakes. “It will help us strengthen our local workforce and help graduates build their careers right in their own community. It gives a boost to workers looking to upskill in the agriculture and forestry sectors, which are among our strongest sectors.”

“Trent University plays a critical role providing a labour force equipped with the skills employers demand,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “We welcome the Community Concierge project and are working with our partners to create opportunities for our graduates to gain experience and pursue careers in the local community.”

The 12-month Community Concierge project will create new staff positions to lead to the creation of 60 multi-year partnership agreements between Trent University and local employers, leading to employment opportunities for 100 recent graduates. A portion of this funding will allow the University to provide training subsidies and support to eligible job seekers to support their involvement during training and upskilling opportunities and the transition to rural employment. Partnership agreements will also address future work integrated learning placements for emerging graduates to better transition them to full-time employment in the region upon graduation.

Fleming College has utilized this funding for two projects that are up and running including the procurement of simulators for the heavy equipment, forestry, public works and agricultural sectors as well as the creation of micro-credentials for agriculture and forestry.

This initiative is supported through the government’s Skills Development Fund, which has provided over $200 million in funding for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retraining workers during the pandemic.

“Our government is working for workers every day. Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re giving workers the training they need to fill in-demand jobs, earn bigger paycheques and advance in rewarding careers that make their families and communities stronger,” said Minister McNaughton. “Our government has a workers-first  plan to deliver a stronger Ontario. As build today for a better tomorrow, we need all hands on deck. We’re leaving nobody behind and we’re getting it done.”

This investment builds on the government’s ongoing efforts to attract, support and protect workers, making Ontario the top place in the world to work, live and raise a family. It follows legislation Minister McNaughton recently passed that provides foundational rights for digital platform workers, requirements for employers to disclose their electronic monitoring of employees and for businesses in high-risk settings to have Naloxone kits on hand, and several red tape reductions to encourage out-of-province workers to help fill the generational labour shortage.

Quick Facts

  • Data suggests that the need to replace retiring workers is greater for skilled trades workers than for other occupations. In 2016, nearly 1 in 3 journeypersons in Ontario were aged 55 years or older.
  • In the fall of 2021, there were more than 360,000 jobs vacant in Ontario.
  • Ontario’s Skills Development Fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.  

Additional Resources