Free Job Skills Training Coming to Ontario

With the labour market becoming more tech- and knowledge-based, adult learners will now have better access to learning essential skills to accelerate their careers.

Free skills training for adults is coming to Ontario to help equip people with essential reading, math, writing, and digital skills and prepare them for the changing economy.

Right now, 15 percent of working-age adults have difficulty understanding calculations, reading instructions or working with a computer.

According to the province, this $185 million investment means that Ontario will double its support for essential skills training by 2020-21.

"The economy is changing and our government is determined to see that no one is left behind. To do this, we need to ensure that people in Ontario of all ages and at all stages of their lives are able to easily access high-quality training that will prepare them for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Deb Matthews, Deputy Premier and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development.

"That's why our government has made this investment in literacy and essential skills that will help more than 80,000 additional adult learners across the province."

Studies have found that a one per cent increase in literacy can lead to a 2.5 per cent increase in labour productivity.

This initiative is part of the government's Lifelong Learning and Skills Plan, which aims to ensure that Ontario's adult learners and workers have the support they need to adapt and thrive at every stage of their career.