David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development in Thunder Bay - Acadia Broadcasting File Photo

The Ford government is investing $4.3 million in four innovative training projects to help 356 Canadian Armed Forces members prepare for in-demand jobs and a transition to civilian life.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will also be conducting consultations with military spouses and veterans to understand employment barriers faced by military spouses moving to Ontario and veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Every year, 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from service.

“Men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces give their all for this country. When the time comes to hang up their uniform, they deserve to know help will be there,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

The free programs announced today will prepare veterans for well-paying careers in in-demand sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, software development, cyber security, and others.

The first project, led by the True Patriot Love Foundation, will help 130 job seekers land meaningful jobs in healthcare.

They will also be partnering with 40 Ontario employers from a variety of sectors to educate and inform them on the benefits of hiring veterans and best practices for reducing barriers to employment.

These projects are funded through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, which supports ground-breaking programs that connect job seekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home.

To date, the Ontario government has invested over $860 million in the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, helping half a million people take the next step in their careers.