Ontario’s skilled trades create careers leading to secure jobs and a good quality of life, and are also vital to the health and growth of the economy. Building on consultations across the province, the government is investing $170 million over three years in the new Ontario Apprenticeship Strategy. This investment will include: Expanding the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), providing more high school students with trades-related hands-on learning opportunities; Improved guidance counselling resources and local labour market information for students, parents and educators; A new grant to promote pooled group sponsorship models for apprentices; A Local Apprenticeship Innovation Fund to increase opportunities for apprentices and encourage engagement within the apprenticeship system across Ontario, as well as support regional, local or sector-specific pilots where there is demonstrated market need;  and Continuing education opportunities for trade professionals.