Ontario will need at least 85,000 skilled workers by 2015.

Government figures also show that by 2015 the number of young people will decline, placing a greater demand on people already in the workforce. And while about 70 per cent of the jobs require some post-secondary education, only half of all Canadians have a post-second ary degree.

The provincial government is doing its part to bolster Ontario's skills network by providing $25 million to skills training centres in 2007 and 2008.

Area Liberal MPPs, workers and apprentices during a news conference this week at the Ironworkers Local 736 training centre on Upper James Street Training applauded Colleges and Universities Minister John Milloy's announcement to give $7.9 million to 39 training centres in the province.

In Hamilton, about $155,500 is earmarked for the Dofasco Learning and Development Centre, almost $70,000 to the Ironworkers training centre, and almost $35,000 to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners Local 18 training centre.

"Ontario needs a highly skilled construction work force," said Pat Dillon of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario.

"If we don't have a competitive province, we can't attract the business, we can't supply the jobs for our youths. No one group can do it on its own. It has to be a partnership."

This is the second round of funding announcements the province has made. Last year the Ironworkers received about $90,000 that were used to purchase 12 welding machines, a scissor lift and other equipment, said Charlie Jude, an instructor at the Ironworkers training centre. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local 18, said Bill Baldwin, training co-ordinator for the local, received about $225,000 in the first round of funding which was used to purchase a scissor lift, three forklifts and other needed equipment. He said the carpenters' training centre has about 300 apprentices each year, with another 200 people on a waiting list.

Mr. Jude is currently training about 20 apprentices.

"We need to be equipping our workers to compete in a global economy," said Ancaster-Dundas-Flamborough-Westdale Liberal MPP Ted McMeekin.

Although the provincial funding is welcome, Mr. Dillon, said the province should do more to reduce or provide tax relief to businesses which use apprentices.

"This is a good signal by this government to help apprenticeships," said Mr. Dillon. "But more should be done to help make people who are learning their skills to earn while they learn."