Province invests $2.6 million in GROW
LO expands workforce development programs
"Our government recognizes the importance of investing in skilled trades for our future generations,” Parm Gill said. “I am proud that our government is investing in Landscape Ontario Horticultural Trades Association to train, recruit and upskill the workers of Ontario.”
Launched in 2020 by Landscape Ontario with support from the provincial and federal governments, the GROW training programs support new workers wishing to begin their careers, current professionals seeking to expand their skills, and employers striving to enhance their ability to attract and retain the best possible teams. GROW includes: New Entrant Worker Training, Supervisory Training, an Employer of Choice Program, and a New Entrant Worker Job Bank. In 2020-21, the program was available for people and businesses in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area, as well as the Kawartha/Muskoka region. For 2022, the Waterloo and Wellington regions have been added.
"The landscape horticulture trade, like many others, is struggling to find a skilled workforce. With today’s funding announcement, we are able to continue our important work to support new workers wishing to begin their careers, current professionals seeking to expand their skills, and employers striving to attract and retain the best possible teams," said Amanda Laszcz, Landscape
Ontario’s GROW Program manager. "Landscape Ontario’s Getting Ready for Opportunities at Work (GROW) Program is going into its third year thanks to the funding provided through the Skills Development Fund. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this important work.”
“Our government is working for workers every day. Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re giving workers the training they need to fill in-demand jobs, earn bigger pay cheques and advance in rewarding careers that make their families and communities stronger,” Minister McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development said in a media release. “Our government has a workers-first plan to deliver a stronger Ontario. As we build today for a better tomorrow, we need all hands-on deck.”
LO Executive Director Tony DiGiovanni thanked the government for helping address the industry’s most pressing issue. “Imagine an Ontario without green space and gardens. The demand for our members’ products and services is growing,” DiGiovanni said. “The limiting factor is the shortage of skilled workers. The Skills Development Fund is helping us recruit and develop the skilled workforce that will contribute to the quality of life of our Ontario community.”
Sally Harvey, Landscape Ontario Director of Workforce Development, said the GROW Program will create a pipeline of workers of choice to support businesses who are currently declining and delaying work due to workforce shortages.
“Helping our members with workforce development remains our top priority,” Harvey said. “We need horticultural technicians. We need carpenters, stonemasons, plumbers, pool and hot tub installers, heavy equipment operators, mechanics, electricians and more. There’s a vast number of amazing career opportunities awaiting Ontarians.”
Landscape Ontario’s GROW Program:
Free training developed and delivered by Ontario’s largest network of landscape and horticultural professionals.
Designed for individuals who wish to begin a career in landscape and horticulture. Participants gain in-demand skills & safety knowledge training with industry professionals both online and in-person. GROW also provides ongoing employment support to help GROW graduates find employment and kick start their new careers.
Designed for current professionals who want to expand their potential with their current employer. GROW works with each participant and their employer to develop a training plan customized to meet their specific needs. Includes supervisory skills and safety training.
Designed for individuals who wish to begin a career in landscape and horticulture. Participants gain in-demand skills & safety knowledge training with industry professionals both online and in-person. GROW also provides ongoing employment support to help GROW graduates find employment and kick start their new careers.
