St. Thomas, Ont. — The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million to train experienced construction workers as mentors, aiming to boost skills in the homebuilding industry and accelerate the province’s housing goals.
The funding, announced Thursday through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, will help 100 seasoned workers pass on expertise in modern construction technologies and updated building practices. The initiative, branded as the Futures Faster program, is led by the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA).
Government Commitment
“We are facing unprecedented economic times, and Ontario needs highly skilled workers that can deliver on our historic $200 billion infrastructure plan to build more homes and other critical infrastructure over the next decade,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With this investment, we are making sure more home builders have the skills to help open doors to good-paying jobs building more housing in our communities, keeping the dream of home ownership alive for families across the province.”
The announcement was made at the St. Thomas offices of Panel-It, a division of Doug Tarry Homes. Parliamentary Assistant Mohamed Firin, who attended on behalf of the minister, emphasized the role of mentorship in strengthening Ontario’s workforce.
“Ontario’s skilled trades are the backbone of our economy and mentorship is key to helping the next generation succeed,” Firin said. “By training experienced workers to become mentors, we’re strengthening Ontario’s workforce and creating new pathways for jobseekers to gain the skills and confidence they need to thrive.”
Program Design
The Futures Faster program will focus initially on training mentors in leadership, building code updates, and emerging technologies. Once prepared, these mentors will guide new graduates and workers at risk of job displacement.
Mentees will have opportunities to earn up to two credentials in areas of growing demand, including resilient construction techniques, compliance with new 18-storey mass timber regulations, and radon mitigation practices. This model not only provides jobseekers with hands-on experience but also positions mentors and mentees as specialized experts in the construction industry.
“Through our government’s Skills Development Fund, we’re training the next generation of construction workers to protect the dream of homeownership for families here in St. Thomas and across Ontario,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs & Housing and Member of Provincial Parliament for Elgin–Middlesex–London. “Working with industry partners like the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, we’re keeping workers on the job so they can build the homes that our province needs.”
Building Toward Long-Term Growth
Since 2021, Ontario has allocated $1.5 billion through the SDF Training and Capital Streams, supporting training for more than one million workers in critical industries. As part of the 2025 provincial budget, an additional $1 billion will be invested over three years, raising the SDF’s total value to $2.5 billion.
The investment reflects the government’s broader strategy to meet housing and infrastructure demands, including the Protect Ontario by Building Faster and Smarter Act 2025 and the $1.2 billion Building Faster Fund, which rewards municipalities that accelerate housing approvals.
“Our government’s latest round of investments to hire, train, and upskill workers is critical as we lead an unprecedented wave of construction across Ontario,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “Supported by our government’s more than $200-billion in capital commitments for roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, transit, and water systems, we’re building the foundation for new housing and long-term growth. Together with industry partners like OHBA, we’re securing Ontario jobs and building a resilient, future-ready economy.”
Industry and Local Reactions
The OHBA welcomed the initiative as a significant step toward addressing labour shortages in the construction sector, where more than 10,500 jobs went unfilled in the second quarter of 2025.
“The OHBA Futures Faster program is innovative because it is open to workers across all aspects of the residential construction industry – from builders and renovators to tradespeople to the behind-the-scenes professionals who ensure that homes are built,” said Scott Andison, CEO of OHBA. “We are grateful that the province saw the value in this program and are providing support to upskill workers and ensure that Ontario has the skilled labour workforce we need to continue building communities.”
Industry partners expressed enthusiasm about their role in shaping Ontario’s construction future. “Doug Tarry Homes and Panel-It are excited to explore future opportunities to act as a partner in mentored upskilling, and building the future workforce of the Ontario Housing industry,” said Shane Tarry, General Manager of Panel-It.
Local leaders also underscored the importance of the investment. “St. Thomas is proud to be at the heart of this important investment in Ontario’s skilled trades,” said Joe Preston, Mayor of St. Thomas. “Today’s announcement highlights the value of investing in people – equipping experienced construction workers to mentor the next generation. This strengthens our local workforce, supports good jobs, and ensures our community is prepared to meet the housing and infrastructure needs of the future.”
