Ontario Investing More Than $9.8 Million to Protect and Train Workers in Major Canadian Industries

The Ontario government is supporting workers’ training and economic growth through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. Through an investment of more than $9.8 million across six training projects, Ontario aims to help nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers access training and prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers across major Canadian industries. These projects will deliver specialized training in critical industries, including the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, transportation and emerging technologies, ensuring Ontario has the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and deliver Ontario’s $236 billion plan to build the homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure that will protect Ontario workers and communities.

“As the world faces growing global economic uncertainty, our government is making sure Ontario workers have the skills they need to succeed and employers have the talent they need to grow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, we’re creating new opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while strengthening the workforce that will build Ontario’s homes, deliver critical infrastructure and drive economic growth. These investments are helping protect workers, strengthen communities and keep Ontario competitive.”

Minister Piccini and Minister Quinn were joined by staff and students from National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA at their Power of Trades Development Centre, which is receiving more than $1.7 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to help 180 participants gain skills for in-demand jobs such as carpentry, bricklaying, and construction supervision, preparing them for careers in construction and building retrofitting.

“Whether world-class training is delivered through community organizations, apprenticeship pathways or our postsecondary institutions, our government is ensuring Ontario workers have access to the skills they need to land in-demand, good paying jobs,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Amid economic uncertainty, this investment is strengthening our pipeline of highly skilled workers to keep our businesses and communities prosperous.”

Through SDF Training Stream Round 6, the Ontario government is also partnering with five other organizations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities:

• Automotive Industries Association of Canada is receiving $3,000,000 to train 216 people for rewarding careers in the automotive sector and upskill existing workers. Participants will receive hands-on training in automotive service and emerging technologies, while licensed journeypersons and senior apprentices will build specialized skills in electric and hybrid vehicles while advancing driver assistance systems to keep pace with evolving industry needs.
• John Howard Society of Ottawa is receiving $194,986 to connect 50 jobseekers from underrepresented groups to meaningful employment in the construction, manufacturing and automotive sectors. Participants will receive trade-specific training, industry-recognized certifications and individualized employment supports, including job matching and career coaching, to prepare for in-demand careers, such as being an automotive service technician, electrician or plumber.
• Skills Canada Ontario is receiving $1,190,240 to train 250 participants for rewarding careers in the construction, manufacturing and mining sectors. Through sector-specific training, career coaching and workplace readiness supports, participants will develop essential skills and access to job placements in occupations such as carpentry, plumbing and industrial trades supervision.
• Youth Ottawa is receiving $2,687,150 to train 350 young people for rewarding careers in the skilled trades through micro-credentials in safety, technical foundations and construction. Through a free six-week program, participants will receive hands-on training, workplace certifications and AI-powered learning supports, while building connections with employers and preparing for careers in the electrical trades.
• Canadian Marine Careers Foundation is receiving $987,376 to train 96 people for rewarding seafaring positions on board domestic vessels such as cargo ships, tugs and ferries that support Ontario’s major industries, including helping existing workers advance into higher-skilled positions. Participants will receive hands-on training in marine safety and seamanship, earn industry-recognized certifications and connect directly with marine employers.

The new SDF Training Stream Round 6 projects have been evaluated, selected and will be delivered through a strengthened program that aligns with recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review. These enhancements include:

• Tracking longer-term employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months to better measure success and improve program monitoring.
• Increasing transparency by requiring applications to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, with information verified against Ontario’s Lobbyists Registry.
• Strengthening project selection through a more rigorous project screening, risk assessment and evaluation process.

Above and beyond the Auditor General’s recommendations, the ministry also implemented new tools for risk management and due diligence, including analyzing individuals associated with applications, in addition to the organization.

The enhanced SDF Training Stream Round 6 is part of the government’s plan to Protect Ontario by ensuring workers are prepared with the skills needed for in-demand careers. By investing in training and upskilling projects, the government is helping protect Ontario workers and communities by building the skilled workforce needed to stronger, more resilient communities.

“With demand for workers in the skilled trades growing, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is proud to deliver effective skilled trades programs that help participants – particularly those from underrepresented groups – rise to their full potential,” said Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of YMCA of the National Capital Region. “Thanks to increased investment from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Skills Development Fund, the Power of Trades: Home Builders Training Program by the YMCA of the National Capital Region will double its impact, reaching over 1,235 participants and enabling the launch of a second technical training space in Ottawa. This $1.7M investment will help boost sector productivity and provide participants with the tools, knowledge and certifications to start their career in the skilled trades with confidence.”

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