(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
In-Class Enhancement Fund will protect Ontario workers by training up to 12,000 apprentices for in-demand jobs
On Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the Ontario government announced an investment of $64.2 million over the next three years to expand in-class apprenticeship training, helping more apprentices across the province gain the skills they need to land rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
“We need to keep building, no matter what global challenges come our way, to deliver on our $200 billion plan to build more infrastructure like highways, hospitals and schools,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By expanding access to in-class training and removing barriers, we’re helping more apprentices gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs, while protecting them in the face of U.S. tariffs.”
This investment, through the In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF), will create up to 4,000 new training seats each year, helping apprentices access in-class training faster while covering their $10-per-day Level 1 classroom fees.
“Whether it is schools, highways, or hospitals, our province’s skilled trades workers are building the critical infrastructure that strengthens our communities and protects Ontario,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that apprentices get the education, training and skills they need to get rewarding, good-paying jobs that will build the Ontario of tomorrow.”
As part of a broader strategy to address the need for skilled trades, the Ontario government is also examining ways to increase apprenticeship hiring on publicly funded infrastructure projects and construction sites. In addition, the government is working with Skilled Trades Ontario to expand testing, allowing apprentices to book Certificate of Qualification exams at certified testing centres closer to home, choosing the date, time and location that works best for them. This means less travel, less time away from work and more opportunities for apprentices to get certified and advance their careers.
“This investment is exactly what Ontario’s skilled trades workforce needs right now,” said Marc Arsenault, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. “Expanding in-class training capacity means more apprentices can start and finish their programs on time, with fewer financial and logistical barriers. It’s a smart, practical step that ensures major infrastructure projects are built by a well-trained, local workforce. Our members are ready to build Ontario’s future, and this kind of support helps get them on the tools faster and safer.”
The IEF is part of the $159.3 million commitment announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario to strengthen skilled trades programs. It builds on the government’s broader strategy to train and attract workers for in-demand jobs.
Since 2020, Ontario has invested over $2.1 billion in the skilled trades. This includes investments in skilled trades related projects under the Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
Quick Facts
- The IEF complements other provincial investments, including the $18 million Apprentice Development Benefit, which helps apprentices cover living expenses during full-time in-class training at a minister approved training provider.
- New apprenticeship registrations in Ontario increased by over 7.3 per cent to 28,875 in 2024–2025 – the highest in a decade. This includes an increase of over 13.5 per cent to 16,412 among youth aged 15 to 24 in 2024-2025.
- About one in eight job openings in Ontario are forecast to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2029.
- One in three workers in Ontario with an apprenticeship certificate as their highest credential are nearing retirement.
- Ontario is hosting Level Up! career fairs in communities across the province over 29 days, connecting an expected 50,000+ students, parents, and jobseekers with rewarding, in-demand careers in the skilled trades through hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations.
- In August, 2025, the government announced an investment of $75 million to create up to 7,800 additional construction and urban planning seats at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario, further strengthening the province’s pipeline of homegrown and highly skilled construction workers.
- The IEF investment adds about $21.4 million per year to the program budget over the next three years, bringing the total IEF budget for 2025-2026 to $146.7 million.
- The IEF is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and 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
