The Ontario government is investing more than $10.9 million across ten training projects to help nearly 2,000 workers and jobseekers prepare for careers in the health-care sector, the province announced Wednesday.
The funding, delivered through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, will support specialized training, work placements, mentorship and career supports for nurses, personal support workers, medical laboratory technologists and other in-demand health-care occupations.
“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.”
Piccini and Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, were joined by representatives from Scarborough Health Network, which is receiving $2,225,017 to train 110 people, including individuals from underrepresented and rural or remote communities, for careers as personal support workers, nurses and nurse practitioners. The network is partnering with Sir Sanford Fleming College to use a Virtual Standardized Patient platform for hands-on learning.
“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.”
Nine other organizations are also receiving funding through the round to deliver training opportunities in communities across the province.
“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.”
“Access to incredible care starts with access to world-class training and education,” Quinn said. “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.”
The province said the round has been strengthened to align with recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review, including tracking employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months, requiring applicants to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, and applying a more rigorous project screening and risk assessment process.
Through the fund’s first five rounds, Ontario says more than 100,000 participants found employment within 60 days of completing their program, and $48,361,505 was invested in health-care projects to help 23,007 participants train for in-demand careers in the sector.
People interested in participating in the newly announced projects are asked to contact the lead organizations directly.
