Ontario invests $9.8 million in worker training across skilled trades, automotive, construction

Ontario is investing more than $9.8 million across six training projects to help nearly 1,150 workers and job seekers prepare for in-demand careers in skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, transportation, and emerging technologies.

The funding comes through the sixth round of the province's Skills Development Fund Training Stream, announced Monday by Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini and Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn.

"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," Piccini said. "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."

The National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA's Power of Trades Development Centre is receiving more than $1.7 million to help 180 participants gain skills in carpentry, bricklaying, and construction supervision for careers in construction and building retrofitting.

The Automotive Industries Association of Canada is receiving $3 million to train 216 people for careers in the automotive sector, including hands-on training in automotive service and emerging technologies such as electric and hybrid vehicles and advanced driver assistance systems. The John Howard Society of Ottawa is receiving $194,986 to connect 50 job seekers from underrepresented groups to employment in construction, manufacturing, and automotive sectors.

The government framed the investment as part of Ontario's broader $236 billion plan to build homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure while managing economic impacts of U.S. tariffs.