Province aims to prepare more than 7,300 workers for careers in mining, construction and skilled trades
The Ontario government is investing nearly $8 million in workforce development and training initiatives across Northern Ontario as part of the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, with the goal of preparing more than 7,300 workers and jobseekers for in-demand careers in mining, construction and other skilled sectors.
Announced in Sudbury by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the funding will support three workforce training projects and one major capital investment designed to address labour shortages while supporting Ontario’s long-term infrastructure and economic development plans.
The province said the investments are intended to help ensure Northern Ontario has the skilled workforce needed to support Ontario’s $236 billion infrastructure agenda, including the construction of homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical public infrastructure.
“This investment is about building a stronger workforce today, while ensuring Ontario has the talent to deliver the major infrastructure and economic growth projects of tomorrow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund, we are helping more people gain the hands-on experience, certifications and employer connections they need to succeed in high-demand sectors. These projects will ensure workers across the province can access the training and support they need to step into in-demand careers and drive growth across Ontario.”
Funding Supports Indigenous Training, Skilled Trades and Mining Careers
One of the largest funding recipients is Community Builders Construction, which will receive $1,953,690 to support 189 individuals facing barriers to employment. The program will provide hands-on skilled trades training, employment supports and direct connections to employers in the construction industry.
The initiative is expected to help participants secure employment in a sector that continues to face labour shortages across Ontario.
“With the support of SDF and our partnership with the Ontario government, Community Builders has expanded our social enterprise model into more communities across Northern and Central Ontario,” said Brandon Day, Founder & CEO, Community Builders. “Our mission is simple: to create housing and jobs. To solve Ontario’s housing and labor shortages, we need to help and support more people to enter the workforce. That is exactly what the SDF allows us to do by providing life-changing trades training so people can build their futures while helping build Ontario.”
Niiwin Wendaanimok LP is receiving $1,951,000 to train 100 Indigenous participants from four Treaty #3 communities. The training will focus on construction work related to Highway 17 projects while also offering financial literacy, leadership development and job readiness programming.
“Trade and transportation corridors are vital to strong, resilient economies and it is essential that development reflects our knowledge, values and leadership,” said Chief Herb Green, Niiwin Wendaanimok LP. “The success of previous Skills Development Fund investments has shown what our learners can achieve — especially our youth, who are building skills, redefining success and earning recognition across the country. The twinning of Highway 17 is a nation-building project and we are ensuring our people are not just taking part, but leading the work on our own territory.”
Wahkohtowin will receive $703,234 to provide Indigenous-led environmental monitoring and workforce retention training for 60 participants across Northern Ontario.
“After 10 years of growth in the forest sector and forest management space, access to these funds come at a critical time as we all lean into the change environment ahead of us,” said David Flood, Executive Director, Wahkohtowin Development GP Inc. “From direct sector investments, Guardians and 13 Moon Program, standing Tree to Home – One Bowl and now the emerging Stewardship Economy, we will see many people, family and community benefits emerge through the use of the Skills Development Fund.”
Science North Expansion to Train Thousands Annually
In addition to workforce programming, the province is investing $3,270,899 through the SDF Capital Stream to establish a new training centre at Science North’s Dynamic Earth site in Sudbury.
The centre is expected to train approximately 7,000 individuals annually in mining, construction and related industries, with the province estimating a total of 35,000 trainees over the next five years.
“Science North has inspired generations of Northern Ontarians to explore careers in science, technology and skilled trades,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “Through the new training centre at Dynamic Earth, more people will gain the tools they need to pursue rewarding jobs in some of the North’s most important industries, turning curiosity and discovery into real-world opportunity.”
Ashley Larose, Chief Executive Officer of Science North, said the expansion will help introduce young people to emerging technologies and skilled trades careers through immersive learning experiences.
“Through the support of the Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, we’re creating the kinds of learning experiences that spark curiosity and help young people see themselves in the careers of tomorrow,” Larose said. “The Dynamic Earth Expansion brings modern mining, emerging technologies and Northern Ontario’s innovation story to life through immersive, hands-on experiences that inspire the next generation of skilled tradespeople, engineers, miners and problem-solvers.”
Enhanced Oversight Introduced for Latest Funding Round
The province said the sixth round of the SDF Training Stream includes several new accountability and oversight measures following recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 review of the program.
These changes include expanded tracking of employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months after program completion, increased transparency requirements regarding lobbyists and consultants, and strengthened project evaluation and risk assessment processes.
Ontario received 930 applications for Round 6 funding and plans to support 172 projects that will collectively provide training opportunities for more than 131,000 people.
The province said previous rounds of the Skills Development Fund have already supported more than 100,000 participants in finding employment within 60 days of completing training programs and have helped fund more than 1,000 workforce development initiatives across sectors including construction, manufacturing, healthcare, mining and forestry.
Local officials said the latest investments come at a critical time for Northern Ontario’s economy.
“Greater Sudbury is experiencing unprecedented economic opportunities across mining, construction and infrastructure development,” said Paul Lefebvre, Mayor of Greater Sudbury. “To fully realize that potential, we need a strong pipeline of skilled workers and this investment from the province will help more people access the training needed to fill in-demand jobs and ensure our community is ready to seize the opportunities ahead.”