TORONTO - Ontario's colleges applaud the Ontario government's announcement yesterday of new investments into apprenticeship training.

"Apprenticeship is an important component of the higher education system in Ontario," said Linda Franklin, president and CEO of Colleges Ontario. "The government has made an important investment into skills training and producing a stronger economy."

Franklin said the government's investment of $8.3 million in supports and incentives will encourage greater numbers of people to enter apprenticeship training, which will in turn help fill the demands for new employees in the skilled trades.

Franklin also noted that the recession has posed particular challenges to apprenticeship, as businesses have struggled to maintain their workforces in the midst of decreased manufacturing. She said today's announcement will help address these challenges.

"These measures are timely and very much needed as we face the looming shortage of skilled workers," said Franklin, noting the Conference Board of Canada estimates Ontario faces a workforce shortage of more than 360,000 employees by 2025.

"These steps will build workforce strength now so that Ontario can thrive tomorrow."

Colleges Ontario is the voice of Ontario's 24 colleges of applied arts and technology. Ontario colleges serve about 200 communities throughout the province, delivering a wide range of career-focused education and training programs to more than 200,000 full-time and 300,000 part-time students.