Ontario – after serving as the catalyst for the recent transformations in tuition hikes – will soon be helping to increase access to higher education for those who are earning income in a trade or those working in non-profit areas to benefit from its expanded Ontario Access to Education and Skills Training (AEST) program.
The program will be available for the first time to organizations that receive government funding for programs focused on teaching workers practical skills and includes special training for teachers who are transitioning into a career. The expanded program, which launched in January, has already served more than 16,000 students.
The expansion is expected to help more than 250,000 apprentices over the next five years and increase opportunities for those in other areas like hospitality, agricultural, and automotive.
“I am pleased to see this commitment of resources for our youth and students across our province to get the training and experience that they need to continue on their path to success,” said Ontario’s Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training, Mitzie Hunter. “Today’s agreement with Workplace Training Ontario is a critical step toward increasing our youth and students’ access to opportunities for future careers.”
Since the program’s launch in January, AEST has served more than 16,000 students. Once fully implemented, it will provide access to skilled people for roles ranging from hairdressers and farmers to police officers and firefighters.
AEST is open to new employees in Ontario not yet enrolled in post-secondary education or training programs that encourage formal education, a trade or apprenticeship. Individuals can apply for the program on Workplace Training Ontario’s website.
Read the full story at The Globe and Mail.
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