Photo courtesy of: davidpiccinimpp.ca
The Ontario government is investing more than $9.8 million in six training projects aimed at preparing nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers for careers in the skilled trades and other in-demand industries.
The funding is being provided through the sixth round of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, with programs targeting construction, manufacturing, transportation, automotive, marine and emerging technologies.
Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP and Labour Minister David Piccini says the funding is intended to help workers develop skills for new careers while providing employers with trained workers.
“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,” Piccini said.
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is receiving more than $1.7 million to provide training to 180 participants for jobs including carpentry, bricklaying and construction supervision.
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada will receive $3 million to train or upskill 216 people. Training will include automotive service as well as specialized skills involving electric and hybrid vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems.
Youth Ottawa is receiving nearly $2.7 million to train 350 young people through a free six-week skilled trades program offering hands-on training, workplace certifications and technical education.
Skills Canada Ontario will receive nearly $1.2 million to train 250 participants for construction, manufacturing and mining careers, while the John Howard Society of Ottawa is receiving almost $195,000 to help 50 jobseekers from underrepresented groups pursue careers in construction, manufacturing and automotive industries.
The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation will receive more than $987,000 to train 96 people for positions aboard domestic vessels, including cargo ships, tugs and ferries.
Colleges and Universities Minister Nolan Quinn said the investments are designed to strengthen Ontario’s pipeline of skilled workers during a period of economic uncertainty.
“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,” Quinn said.
The province says the latest funding round also includes changes following recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 review of the Skills Development Fund.
Those changes include tracking employment outcomes three, six and 12 months after training, requiring applicants to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, and introducing additional screening and risk assessments for funding applications.
