Ontario Investing Nearly $3.9 Million to Train More Women for Careers in the Skilled Trades

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 nearly $3.9 million across four training projects, Ontario aims to help more than 310 women, including survivors of gender-based violence and others facing barriers to employment, access training and prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers in the skilled trades. These projects will provide specialized training, mentorship, employment supports and connections to employers, helping participants build the skills and experience they need to achieve greater financial independence, while ensuring Ontario has the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive and resilient in the face of U.S. tariffs.

“As we build the homes, highways, hospitals and critical infrastructure Ontario needs, women have an important role to play in meeting that demand,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is breaking down barriers so more women, including survivors of gender-based violence, can build the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in the skilled trades. This is about opening doors to rewarding careers, greater financial independence and a stronger future for workers, families and employers across Ontario.”

The Ontario government is partnering with four organizations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities for women across the province. Together, these projects will provide participants with the training, mentorship, employment supports and workplace connections they need to build rewarding careers and achieve greater financial independence in occupations such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, machinery and transportation equipment mechanics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), construction supervision and project management.

The following recipients are receiving funding:

• Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is receiving $2,000,048 to help 42 women who are survivors of gender-based violence prepare for jobs in the skilled trades. Participants will receive skills training, employment supports and wraparound services to help them secure employment and build careers in carpentry, cabinetmaking, machinery mechanics and transportation equipment mechanics.
• The Redwood for Women and Children Fleeing Abuse is receiving $914,110 to provide 100 survivors of gender-based violence with training, mentorship, financial assistance and trauma-informed supports. The project will help more women gain the skills needed to build careers as HVAC technicians, gas fitters, refrigeration mechanics and other construction-related skilled trades professionals.
• Canadian Association of Women in Construction is receiving $459,675 to train 120 women for supervisory and project management roles in construction through skills training, mentorship, employment supports and employer connections.
• Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre is receiving $496,153 to help 50 women remain employed and advance in their careers through employment opportunities, wraparound supports and inclusive workplace training.

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 build stronger, more resilient communities.

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