PICKERING, Ont. — The Ontario government is directing more than $2.8 million into training programs aimed at helping over 3,500 people in Durham Region and surrounding areas secure good-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. The investment, announced Thursday by Premier Doug Ford, comes as the province seeks to shield workers from the economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs.
“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty they are causing, our government will always have the backs of Ontario workers,” said Ford. “By investing in training programs in Durham Region, we’re protecting Ontario workers by helping them get the skills they need to land better jobs and bigger paycheques.”
The funding comes from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, part of a $2.5-billion provincial initiative to prepare workers for in-demand jobs while supporting industries facing trade and policy pressures from the U.S. Since launching in 2021, the SDF has backed more than 1,000 training projects, helping over 700,000 people access career development opportunities.
Targeted Local Training Initiatives
Five organizations in Durham Region will deliver the new training programs:
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Drew Carpentry will receive $806,426 to prepare entry-level framers for the homebuilding sector.
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D&R Custom Steel Inc. will receive $613,000 to run four-week, hands-on manufacturing training for new hires.
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Substance Cares will receive $447,500 to provide people with autism training in construction and carpentry, supported by job coaching and inclusive job fairs.
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Innovation Cluster — Peterborough and the Kawarthas will receive $186,240 to help tradespeople develop the skills to start and manage their own businesses.
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FIRST Robotics Canada will receive $798,000 to offer skilled trades and upskilling workshops to students and teachers at Durham College and other partner institutions.
“These investments will help thousands of people in Durham Region and across Ontario gain the skills and experience they need to succeed, while supporting local employers and strengthening our economy,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Part of a Broader Economic Strategy
The provincial government has committed an additional $1 billion through the SDF over the next three years, bringing the total investment to $2.5 billion. Officials say the funding will support key industrial sectors, train more workers, and reinforce Ontario’s economic resilience.
Local representatives welcomed the announcement, emphasizing its role in addressing labour shortages and bolstering economic growth. “This $2.8 million investment from the Skills Development Fund is a game-changer for workers in Pickering and across Durham Region,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge. “By equipping people with the training they need, we are building a stronger workforce, a stronger Ontario and a more resilient economy.”
Whitby MPP Lorne Coe called the programs “exactly the kind of smart, targeted investment” needed to keep Ontario competitive in a challenging global climate. Durham MPP Todd McCarthy noted the importance of supporting manufacturing, construction, and automotive sectors to maintain Ontario’s position as “the economic engine of Canada.”
Industry and Training Providers Respond
Training providers and industry leaders also highlighted the benefits. Tayler Drew, owner of Drew Carpentry, said the SDF has “strengthened industry connections and created tangible employment opportunities,” adding that the company is confident it will exceed its first-year goal of upskilling 80 participants.
Dan Engelage, president of D&R Custom Steel Inc., described the investment as critical to building “a strong, skilled workforce” ahead of the company’s planned relocation to a larger facility in 2027. Substance Cares’ executive director Neil Forester emphasized the inclusive nature of its program, which will support more than 500 autistic job seekers through specialized training and career fairs.
Nicole Stephenson, chair of the board at the Innovation Cluster, said the funding marks “a turning point” for trades professionals looking to move into business ownership. FIRST Robotics Canada president Dave Ellis stressed the role of skilled trades training in inspiring young people to pursue “exciting and rewarding careers.”
Industry groups such as Tribute Communities and the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) also endorsed the government’s commitment, with RESCON vice president Andrew Pariser noting that “more than 3,500 Ontarians will build their future and Ontario’s future” through the programs.
Opportunities for Participation
The province is encouraging interested individuals to apply directly to the lead organizations running the training initiatives. Meanwhile, a new call for SDF project proposals worth $260 million was launched on July 29, offering further opportunities for organizations to contribute to workforce development.
As Ontario navigates trade pressures and shifting labour market needs, the province is positioning its investment as both an economic safeguard and a long-term growth strategy.