Province Invests $1.46 Million to Boost Training Capacity for In-Demand Careers
The Ontario government has opened a new state-of-the-art welding training centre in Milton as part of its broader effort to strengthen the province’s skilled trades workforce and support infrastructure development across Ontario.
Backed by a provincial investment of $1,461,814 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, the upgraded facility operated by CWB Group is expected to train up to 5,740 additional students and aspiring welders over the next five years.
The expansion comes as Ontario faces rising demand for skilled trades workers driven by major infrastructure projects, housing construction and industrial growth. Provincial officials say the investment is aimed at ensuring workers have access to modern training facilities and industry-relevant skills needed for stable, well-paying careers.
Modernized Facility Designed for Emerging Industry Needs
The newly expanded training centre is located at CWB Group’s headquarters in Milton, where approximately 12,000 square feet of space has been transformed into a modern learning hub.
The facility includes a welding shop equipped with 15 booths, dedicated electric vehicle training space, classrooms, an examination room and areas designed to support industrial equipment training. The centre will provide both practical and classroom-based instruction in welding, inspection, workplace safety and emerging technologies.
Training programs will also incorporate virtual and augmented reality tools intended to help students gain hands-on experience in evolving industrial environments.
“Ontario is building the infrastructure our province depends on, and we need to strengthen our world-class workforce to deliver on that progress,” said David Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through investments like these, we are modernizing training, expanding capacity and ensuring more welders and other skilled trades workers have the skills they need for in-demand, good-paying careers.”
The province said the investment aligns with its strategy to prepare workers for future labour market needs while supporting economic growth and competitiveness.
Skilled Trades Demand Continues to Rise Across Ontario
Ontario’s construction and skilled trades sectors continue to experience labour shortages as retirements increase and large-scale projects move forward.
According to provincial data, Ontario’s construction sector employed approximately 577,500 people in 2025. The province also reported that 25,300 welders were employed across Ontario last year, with the average provincial wage for welders reaching $30.99 per hour.
The government estimates more than 400,000 skilled trades-related positions will need to be filled over the next decade due to both retirements and continued job growth.
To address these pressures, Ontario has invested $129.4 million through the SDF Capital Stream to expand and modernize training facilities throughout the province.
Provincial officials said the program is intended to improve access to training, connect workers with in-demand careers and help employers meet workforce needs in key industries.
Industry Leaders Highlight Innovation and Workforce Development
CWB Group said the new Centre of Innovation is designed to support both current and future workforce requirements in welding and related industries.
“With the Ontario government’s support, we have designed the CWB Centre of Innovation to focus on ensuring welding and joining professionals have the skills needed to meet current and future industry demands,” said David Collie, Interim President and CEO of CWB Group. “It is a place for industry to work together to advance learning, accelerate innovation and ensure Ontario’s skilled trades remain strong and competitive.”
Local officials also welcomed the investment, pointing to Milton’s continued growth as an industrial and residential hub within the Greater Toronto Area.
“This $1.4 million investment in the new CWB Centre of Innovation and state-of-the-art welding training facility in Milton will help ensure more local workers can access the skills and hands-on training needed for today’s in-demand careers. By expanding training capacity in the skilled trades, we are strengthening our workforce, supporting local industry and helping train thousands of workers for good-paying, rewarding jobs right here in our community. This investment reflects Milton’s continued leadership in growth and opportunity and will help ensure our community remains a great place to live, work and raise a family,” said Zee Hamid, Member of Provincial Parliament for Milton.
Milton Mayor Gord Krantz said the facility would support local employers seeking skilled labour while helping residents access training opportunities close to home.
“Hands-on learning opportunities are essential for strengthening Milton’s skilled and fast-growing workforce. This new Centre of Innovation will give local employers access to even more highly skilled local talent. I’m so pleased to see CWB continuing to grow in our community and I look forward to more program graduates moving into high-demand roles right here in Milton.”