Ontario Investing Over $5 Million to Protect Workers in Northumberland and Peterborough

The Ontario government is investing more than $5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help more than 2,900 youth, jobseekers and apprentices across Northumberland and Peterborough areas prepare for in-demand careers in construction, manufacturing, aviation and other skilled trades sectors. This is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment in the SDF to protect Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and policies.

“Our government is investing in local training projects that protect Ontario workers by giving them the skills they need to land rewarding, well-paying jobs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These projects will help workers explore and train for rewarding careers, while strengthening our economy as we face global economic challenges.”

Minister Piccini was joined by Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO), which is receiving a $609,398 investment through the SDF Training Stream to deliver the Empowerment of Youth in Skilled Trades project. The initiative will promote careers in the skilled trades to 2,650 students through hands-on training, mentorship and paid placements for 40 students in high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, motive power and aviation.

Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with three other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs that support youth, apprentices and underrepresented groups, including:

• Northumberland Builders and Construction Association Inc. (NBACA) is receiving $230,240 to support 100 participants with onsite training through the purchase of a mobile training trailer. The trailer will be used to deliver compliance training and general construction training.
• Nventure Business Development Corporation is receiving $562,000 to improve career suitability for 100 participants by developing Canada’s first Virtual Reality (VR) recruitment and retention tool for the manufacturing sector. This project is designed to better prepare them for the demands of the job.
• OPCMIA Local 598 Training Centre is receiving $3,947,100 for their Restoring Ontario and Restoring Port Hope projects to support 60 apprentices in the Brick and Stone Mason and Cement Finisher trades, and train 36 pre-apprentices in the Restoration Mason trade to help complete a restoration project in downtown Port Hope.

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 Ontario 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

Quotes

“We are grateful to the Province of Ontario for their generous funding through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. This investment is especially important for small communities like Port Hope, as it helps organizations address hiring challenges, equips residents with in-demand skills, and ensures we are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow. By building these essential skills, we are strengthening our local economy, supporting business growth, and fostering long-term community resilience. ”

– Olena Hankivsky
Mayor, Municipality of Port Hope

“Too often, young people have the talent and drive to succeed in the skilled trades but lack the opportunities to explore and prepare for these careers. Every young person deserves the chance to turn their dreams into achievable goals, no matter where they start. At Junior Achievement, we open doors through financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship education, giving youth the tools to create their own opportunities. With the Skill Development Fund’s support, our programs in the skilled trades go beyond teaching technical skills; they build confidence, spark ambition, and show young people that their future is theirs to shape.”

– John McNutt
President & CEO, Junior Achievement Northern and Eastern Ontario

“This investment will help the Northumberland Builders and Construction Association to train over 100 skilled tradespeople here in Northumberland County. This training will help them continue working in our community and at virtually any job-site in the province. We are also introducing people to our skilled trades programs with introductory sessions at schools and events around Northumberland County. Our members and their employees can get the training they need here at home with the flexibility our industry requires. We are thankful for the SDF and the results are already benefiting real people and our community.”

– Keith Herring
President, Northumberland Builders and Construction Association Inc.

“With support from the Ontario government’s $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund and new strategic funding initiatives in Port Hope, we’re seeing firsthand how targeted investments can empower workers, strengthen communities, and drive long-term economic growth. We’re thrilled to see such strong engagement and real-world results. These programs are not only building skills—they’re building futures.”

– Kason Langley
President / Director of Training at OPCMIA Local 598

“Our government is taking action to support workers in the skilled trades. These investments are a crucial step toward equipping local jobseekers with the tools they need to build lasting careers. This strategic approach helps people succeed while simultaneously strengthening our economy and creating new jobs in the greater Peterborough area.”

– Dave Smith
Member of Provincial Parliament for Peterborough – Kawartha