The Ontario government has announced that it will invest $14M to support more than 1,200 pre-apprentices in 67 training programs across the province this year. An ON release states that the funding will provide free training to students while also covering costs for textbooks, safety equipment, and tools. While announcing the investment at Conestoga College, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development Deb Matthews noted that, “when we reach potential tradespeople early with introductory training, they stand a better chance of completing apprenticeship training and enjoying rewarding, well-paid careers in the trades. By investing in pre-apprenticeship programs we’re ensuring that people in Ontario get the skills and training they need for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”