Skills Development Fund investments will train more than 3,500 workers for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs
On Thursday, August 14, 2025, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help people in Durham Region and surrounding areas find good-paying jobs in the construction, manufacturing and skilled trades sectors.
“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty they are causing, our government will always have the backs of Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By investing in training programs in Durham Region, we’re protecting Ontario workers by helping them get the skills they need to land better jobs and bigger paycheques.”
The $2.5 billion SDF protects Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while helping Ontario remain competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. Through the SDF, the Ontario government is partnering with five organizations in the region to deliver free training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:
- Drew Carpentry is receiving $806,426 to upskill and train people for employment as entry level framers in the homebuilding industry.
- D&R Custom Steel Inc. is receiving $613,000 to train new employees in the manufacturing sector through four-week training programs with hands-on experience.
- Substance Cares is receiving $447,500 to provide people with autism training in construction and carpentry, along with job coaching and inclusive job fairs.
- Innovation Cluster — Peterborough and the Kawarthas is receiving $186,240 to equip tradespeople with the skills needed to start and run their own businesses.
- FIRST Robotics Canada is receiving $798,000 to provide upskilling and skilled trades workshops for students and teachers at Durham College and other partner colleges across the province.
“Our government is taking bold action to build the future of Ontario’s workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These investments will help thousands of people in Durham Region and across Ontario gain the skills and experience they need to succeed, while supporting local employers and strengthening our economy.”
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers and good-paying jobs in sectors like the skilled trades. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing an additional $1 billion through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support key industrial sectors and help train even more workers.
Quick Facts
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- On July 29, the Ontario government launched a new call for project proposals for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF Training Stream website.
- So far, the SDF Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province and aimed to help over 700,000 people.
- The SDF Training Stream rounds 1 to 5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training Round 6 is supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
