Some Ontario residents will soon be able to apply for a completely free training program to start their careers in construction and carpentry. The Ontario government has announced that it will invest $200,000 in the course to help disadvantaged youth in the Chatham-Kent area.

The project will require 75 people to continue a three-week introductory training course that will teach them what they need to know about how to use power tools, woodworking, and safety.

In addition, all students participating in the program will receive a paid salary for the training course and a tool belt worth $150.

During this program, students will also receive practical training that will prepare them for future work in carpentry, general contracting and construction, as well as financial literacy and business communications. Labor Minister Monte McNaughton said in the statement: "Our government is on a mission to ensure that young people have the skills they need to find good jobs and build better lives for themselves and their families."

Anyone aged 15 to 29 living anywhere in Chatham-Kent, including Blenheim, Bothwell, Chatham, Dresden, Ridgetown, Thamesville, and Wallaceburg, can be considered. Eligible individuals can contact Phillip Mock via email at pmock@familyservicekent.com or by phone at 519-365-4042 to apply.

According to the provincial government, participants can earn some hourly wages if they enter construction jobs.