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.
The government said Ontario Shipyards Inc. employees interested in participating in the training project should contact the company directly.
In a brief statement, company president and CEO Shaun Padulo thanked the government for supporting the revitalization of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry.
"Our goal is to ensure that Ontario can once again lead in repairing and constructing vessels for our nation, fostering economic growth and creating thousands of high-paying jobs within the communities where our shipyards operate," Padulo said.
Dougall Media reached out to Ontario Shipyards for additional information, but did not immediately receive a response.
