Ontario is investing more than $9.8 million in six workforce training projects designed to prepare nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers for careers in construction, skilled trades, automotive services, manufacturing, transportation and other sectors facing labour demand.
The funding, announced in Ottawa through the sixth round of the province’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, is aimed at expanding access to practical training, certifications and employment supports. The province said the initiative is also intended to strengthen the workforce needed to deliver its $236-billion infrastructure plan while helping industries respond to economic uncertainty and U.S. tariffs.
“As the world faces growing global economic uncertainty, our government is making sure Ontario workers have the skills they need to succeed and employers have the talent they need to grow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, we’re creating new opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while strengthening the workforce that will build Ontario’s homes, deliver critical infrastructure and drive economic growth. These investments are helping protect workers, strengthen communities and keep Ontario competitive.”
Ottawa Training Centre Receives $1.7 Million
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is receiving more than $1.7 million for its Power of Trades Development Centre. The funding is expected to help 180 participants develop skills for occupations including carpentry, bricklaying and construction supervision, as well as work connected with building retrofits.
“Whether world-class training is delivered through community organizations, apprenticeship pathways or our postsecondary institutions, our government is ensuring Ontario workers have access to the skills they need to land in-demand, good paying jobs,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Amid economic uncertainty, this investment is strengthening our pipeline of highly skilled workers to keep our businesses and communities prosperous.”
Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of YMCA of the National Capital Region, said the additional funding would expand the organization’s skilled-trades programming.
“With demand for workers in the skilled trades growing, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is proud to deliver effective skilled trades programs that help participants – particularly those from underrepresented groups – rise to their full potential,” said McAlmont. “Thanks to increased investment from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Skills Development Fund, the Power of Trades: Home Builders Training Program by the YMCA of the National Capital Region will double its impact, reaching over 1,235 participants and enabling the launch of a second technical training space in Ottawa. This $1.7M investment will help boost sector productivity and provide participants with the tools, knowledge and certifications to start their career in the skilled trades with confidence.”
Automotive, Construction and Marine Sectors Receive Funding
Five other organizations are receiving funding under the latest round.
The Automotive Industries Association of Canada will receive $3 million to train 216 people and upgrade the skills of existing automotive workers. Training will cover automotive service as well as emerging technologies, including electric and hybrid vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Youth Ottawa is receiving nearly $2.69 million to train 350 people through a free six-week skilled-trades program offering technical instruction, safety training, workplace certifications and AI-supported learning.
Skills Canada Ontario will receive approximately $1.19 million to train 250 participants for careers in construction, manufacturing and mining. The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation will receive $987,376 to train 96 people for positions aboard cargo ships, tugs and ferries, while also helping existing marine workers move into higher-skilled roles.
The John Howard Society of Ottawa will receive $194,986 to connect 50 jobseekers from underrepresented groups with employment opportunities in construction, manufacturing and automotive occupations.
Training Program Adds Stronger Oversight
Ontario said the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund has been strengthened following recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review.
Changes include tracking employment outcomes three, six and 12 months after training, requiring applicants to disclose registered lobbyists and consultants, and implementing more rigorous screening, risk assessment and project evaluation procedures.
The ministry has also introduced additional due-diligence tools designed to assess individuals associated with funding applications as well as the organizations themselves.
Province Expands Skilled Workforce Strategy
The latest investments build on earlier rounds of the Skills Development Fund. According to the province, rounds one through five supported more than 1,000 training projects and aimed to provide skills development opportunities to more than 700,000 workers. More than 100,000 participants found employment within 60 days of completing their programs.
Ontario has also invested more than $130 million since 2024 in skills-training initiatives involving industry, labour, research and educational organizations in the Ottawa region.
The government said the latest $9.8-million investment is intended to connect more workers with employers while addressing labour shortages in industries considered important to housing construction, infrastructure development and broader economic growth.
“Ontario’s $9.8 million investment through the Skills Development Fund will help nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers gain practical skills and pursue in-demand careers. These projects complement Skilled Trades Ontario’s mandate to promote the skilled trades, strengthen pathways into apprenticeship and certification, and support a highly qualified workforce. We thank Minister Piccini and Premier Ford for investing in training that connects more people with employers and helps build the talent Ontario needs for housing, infrastructure and economic growth.”
– Candice White
Chief Executive Officer & Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario