The Ontario Government has introduced a new education bursary for newcomers that will help them get the training and experience they need to successfully enter the workforce.

This Ontario Bridging Participant Assistance Program will help newcomers meet Canadian licensing requirements and professional standards.

With a chronic shortage of skilled workers and an aging workforce, the province has become dependent on recruiting large numbers of new immigrants. With more qualified candidates, businesses will have a larger pool of skilled professionals and trades people to choose from to fill the chronic shortages.

Financial assistance of up to $5,000 will be provided for students in short-term college and university bridge training programs to cover the cost of tuition, books and equipment.  More than 1,800 newcomers are expected to benefit, according to the government.

Access to skills tradespeople have been key priorities of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Through the OCC’s Global Experience @ Work program, various programs have been developed to help eliminate barriers to better integrate foreign trained professionals into Ontario’s workforce.