The Ontario government announced Wednesday it will invest $10.9 million in training programs for nurses and other health-care professions.<\/p>\n
The investment is part of the Skills Development Fund. <\/p>\n
During a press conference held at Centenary Hospital in Scarborough, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini said the funding will be allocated to 10 health-care projects for nearly 2,000 workers and jobseekers to deliver \u201cspecialized training, work placements, mentorship and career supports.\u201d<\/p>\n
The training program will focus on nurses, personal support workers, medical laboratory technologists, and \u201cother critical occupations.\u201d <\/p>\n
In addition, the Scarborough Health Network will also receive $2,225,017 to train 110 people.<\/p>\n
Other recipients include the Brain Changes Initiative, Windmill Microlending, Medical Laboratory Professionals Association of Ontario, WoundPedia, Registered Nurses\u2019 Association of Ontario, Accessible Community Counselling and Employment Services (ACCES), Durham Community Health Centre, Prime+Care Health Centre and the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council.<\/p>\n
Wednesday\u2019s announcement is the latest one in a round of Skills Development Fund investments in the past few weeks.<\/p>\n
The Skills Development Fund was at the centre of controversy last year. <\/p>\n
Piccini faced severe criticism over how the $2.5-billion fund was allocated, as many successful grants were given to Ontario businesses that were backed by lobbyists<\/a>, according to the the province\u2019s Auditor General.<\/p>\n