TORONTO —The Ontario government is investing more than $8.6 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help more than 1,700 women in the Greater Toronto Area train for high-demand jobs in the skilled trades, part of a broader effort to strengthen the province’s workforce amid growing economic pressures from U.S. tariffs.
The investment, announced Wednesday by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, is part of the province’s $2.5 billion SDF program aimed at protecting Ontario’s competitiveness and preparing workers for well-paying, in-demand roles.
“Ontario’s economy depends on the skill and determination of its workers, and we’re making sure women have every opportunity to be part of that success,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By investing over $8 million through the Skills Development Fund, we’re opening doors to good-paying careers in the skilled trades, breaking down barriers and helping more women gain the confidence, training and in-demand skills they need to build Ontario’s future.”
Expanding Access to Training Programs Across the GTA
The funding will be distributed to six organizations to deliver training programs that promote inclusion and create new opportunities for women to enter trades-related careers. The largest share, $2.3 million, will go to IBEW Local 353 in North York to expand its Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices.
Other recipients include:
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Enercare Home Services, receiving $186,170 to deliver eight bootcamps across York Region for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12. The bootcamps will provide tools, safety gear, transportation, and hands-on mentorship in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC fields.
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Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, awarded $2.5 million to support racialized immigrant and refugee women with training in project management, digital literacy, and non-profit management, along with employment counselling and stipends.
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The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, receiving $756,252 to provide financial wellness courses, construction writing training, and employer introductions through a 40-week blended program.
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Brands for Canada, granted $491,000 to run workshops, mentorship programs, and industry placements for women pursuing careers in manufacturing.
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The Career Foundation’s A Women’s Work, securing $2.4 million to train 260 women for trades such as tiling, drywall, framing, and roofing, supported by mentorship and self-esteem workshops.
Building Momentum for Women in Trades
The province reports strong growth in female participation in trades. Over 390,000 women currently work in trades-related occupations across Ontario, with new female apprenticeship registrations up more than 11 per cent in 2024–25 — the highest increase in over a decade.
Since its launch in 2021, the Skills Development Fund has invested $1.5 billion to help train over one million workers through both training and capital streams. The 2025 Ontario Budget, titled A Plan to Protect Ontario, added another $1 billion to the fund over the next three years to sustain this momentum.
“Women are essential to building the future of Ontario, and our government is committed to making careers in the critical trades sector more accessible for women and girls,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity. “Today’s investment, made through the Protect Ontario initiative, supports training programs that will help more women build their skills, explore careers in the trades, and gain the experience they need to find a job and achieve financial security for themselves and their families.”
Industry Leaders Applaud Funding
Industry partners praised the government’s investment, calling it vital to addressing labour shortages and fostering diversity in the trades.
“The skilled trades have always been and will continue to be a critical part of our future as a province and as a country,” said Aris Babikian, MPP for Scarborough–Agincourt. “At a time when we face threats from the U.S., this timely investment will help ensure that we continue to support and empower women in the skilled trades.”
Lee Caprio, Business Manager and Financial Secretary at IBEW Local 353, said the Pathway Program is “bettering and changing lives,” calling it “an innovative project offering apprenticeship opportunities to women, youth at risk, Indigenous and those from all underrepresented groups.”
Private-sector partners echoed the sentiment. Dave Gosling, Chief Operating Officer at Enercare, said the government’s support “enables us to introduce over 400 young women in grades 9 to 12 to exciting career opportunities in the skilled trades. Through hands-on experiences, these bootcamps are helping to build confidence, spark curiosity, and empower the next generation of women in trades.”
At Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, Executive Director Sara Asalya noted that more than 1,000 newcomer women have already completed training through the Sister2Sister Advanced Leadership Program. “Participants gain in-demand skills, hands-on training, and meaningful employer connections to build rewarding careers and contribute to Ontario’s growing workforce,” she said.
Karen Pullen, Chair of Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen, highlighted how SDF support is addressing workplace culture. “With this support, we’ve developed and launched vital anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training — a program that speaks directly to the lived experiences of women in construction,” she said.
Helen Harakas, Executive Director of Brands for Canada, said the SDF funding “is helping women build careers in the skilled trades with jobs that are stable and well-paid,” adding that “quality training changes futures.”
Natasha Ferguson, Founder of A Women’s Work, called the investment “incredibly honouring,” noting it will “expand our programs, strengthen employer partnerships, and provide the hands-on skills and mentorship needed to build lasting, inclusive change in our industry.”
Looking Ahead
With U.S. tariffs posing renewed economic challenges, Ontario’s latest SDF funding underscores a growing emphasis on self-reliance and workforce diversification. As more women enter skilled trades, officials say these investments are not just about equity — they’re about ensuring Ontario’s industries remain competitive, resilient, and ready for the future.
