Ontario is investing more than $9.8 million across six training projects through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, aiming to help nearly 1,150 workers and job seekers train for careers in the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, transportation and emerging technologies.
“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.”
Piccini and Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security, visited the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA’s Power of Trades Development Centre, which is receiving more than $1.7 million to help 180 participants gain skills for jobs such as carpentry, bricklaying and construction supervision.
“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,” Quinn said. “Amid economic uncertainty, this investment is strengthening our pipeline of highly skilled workers to keep our businesses and communities prosperous.”
The province is also partnering with five other organizations through the round. The Automotive Industries Association of Canada is receiving $3,000,000 to train 216 people, with hands-on training in automotive service and emerging technologies, including electric and hybrid vehicles and driver assistance systems. The John Howard Society of Ottawa is receiving $194,986 to connect 50 job seekers from underrepresented groups to jobs in construction, manufacturing and automotive. Skills Canada Ontario is receiving $1,190,240 to train 250 participants for careers in construction, manufacturing and mining. Youth Ottawa is receiving $2,687,150 to train 350 young people in the skilled trades through a free six-week micro-credential program. The Canadian Marine Careers Foundation is receiving $987,376 to train 96 people for seafaring positions on cargo ships, tugs and ferries.
The new round of projects was evaluated, selected and delivered through a strengthened program aligned with recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review, including tracking employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months, requiring applications to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, and strengthening project screening and risk assessment.
Trevor McAlmont, president and CEO of the YMCA of the National Capital Region, said the funding will roughly double the reach of its training program. “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. 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.”
Through rounds one through five, the SDF Training Stream has helped more than 100,000 participants find employment within 60 days of completing their program, supporting more than 1,000 training projects aimed at helping over 700,000 workers gain skills for high-demand sectors. The province says it has invested more than $130 million in the Ottawa region alone since 2024. People interested in participating in the newly announced projects are asked to contact the lead organization directly.
