Skills Development Fund Supports Nearly 2,000 Workers and Jobseekers in Health-Care Careers
The Ontario government is investing more than $10.9 million through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to strengthen the province’s health-care workforce and help nearly 2,000 workers and jobseekers prepare for in-demand careers.
The funding will support ten training projects focused on critical health-care roles, including nurses, personal support workers, medical laboratory technologists and other essential occupations. The initiatives will provide specialized training, work placements, mentorship opportunities and career support to help address workforce needs across Ontario’s health-care system.
The announcement was made in Scarborough as part of the province’s broader strategy to expand access to skilled workers and ensure families continue to receive quality care.
“Protecting Ontario’s health-care system starts with ensuring we have the skilled workforce needed to deliver care when people need it most,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, our government is creating more pathways into rewarding health-care careers while helping employers recruit the skilled professionals they need. Together, we’re increasing access to care, strengthening our workforce and building a healthier, more resilient Ontario for generations to come.”
Scarborough Health Network Receives $2.2 Million for Health-Care Training Initiative
Virtual Training Platform to Support Future Nurses and Personal Support Workers
Among the organizations receiving funding is Scarborough Health Network (SHN), which has been awarded $2,225,017 to train 110 participants, including individuals from underrepresented groups and rural or remote communities.
In partnership with Sir Sanford Fleming College, SHN will use a Virtual Standardized Patient platform to deliver hands-on learning experiences, mentorship and accelerated training pathways. The program is designed to prepare participants for careers as personal support workers, nurses and nurse practitioners while helping strengthen patient care services throughout Ontario.
“We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this important investment in the future of our health-care workforce,” said David Graham, President and CEO of Scarborough Health Network. “Through the Skills Development Fund, the province is helping remove financial and practical barriers for learners while supporting innovative training that better prepares people for careers in health care. In partnership with Fleming College, Scarborough Health Network is proud to help build a stronger, more skilled workforce that can meet the needs of patients and communities across Ontario.”
The investment is part of SDF Training Stream Round 6, which includes partnerships with nine additional organizations delivering health-care training opportunities in communities across the province.
Government Strengthens Skills Development Program Oversight
The latest round of SDF Training Stream projects has been selected through an enhanced process designed to improve accountability, transparency and program outcomes.
The strengthened program follows recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review. Changes include tracking employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months after training completion to better measure long-term success.
The government has also introduced additional transparency requirements, including disclosure of registered lobbyists and consultants involved in applications. Information will be verified through Ontario’s Lobbyists Registry.
Further improvements include stronger project screening, risk assessments and evaluation processes. The ministry has also implemented additional due diligence measures, including reviewing individuals associated with applications alongside the organizations submitting proposals.
“Since taking office, our government has taken historic action to strengthen Ontario’s health-care workforce, including adding 100,000 new nurses and 20,000 new physicians,” said Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Today’s investment will ensure that thousands of future health-care workers, including nurses, personal support workers and medical laboratory technologists, receive an exceptional education and valuable hands-on experience.”
Ontario Expands Pathways Into Health-Care Careers
The province said the latest investment supports its goal of preparing workers with the skills needed for growing sectors while helping employers fill critical positions.
“Access to incredible care starts with access to world-class training and education,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is equipping more future nurses, personal support workers and other health-care providers with the hands-on skills they need to care for our communities and protect Ontario.”
Previous rounds of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream have supported more than 100,000 participants in finding employment within 60 days of completing programs. The initiative has funded more than 1,000 training projects and aimed to help more than 700,000 workers gain skills for in-demand industries.
Through earlier SDF health-care projects, Ontario invested $48.3 million to support training for more than 23,000 participants preparing for careers in the health-care sector.
The province also highlighted additional investments in health-care education, including $1.7 billion announced in May to create 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities. Through Budget 2025, Ontario committed $56.8 million to train 2,200 additional nurses at publicly assisted postsecondary institutions.
“Health-care professionals are the pillars of quality care across Ontario. By investing in Scarborough Health Network’s Virtual Standardized Patient Platform, we are empowering the next generation of medical staff with state-of-the-art training. This initiative ensures that families throughout Scarborough have reliable access to skilled, world-class health care.”
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream Round 6 is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.