The Ontario government is investing nearly $3.9 million across four training projects aimed at helping more than 310 women, including survivors of gender-based violence, prepare for careers in the skilled trades.
The funding, announced through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, will provide specialized training, mentorship, employment supports and connections to employers for participants pursuing careers in fields such as carpentry, cabinetmaking, machinery and transportation equipment mechanics, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, construction supervision and project management.
“As we build the homes, highways, hospitals and critical infrastructure Ontario needs, women have an important role to play in meeting that demand,” said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development. “Our government is breaking down barriers so more women, including survivors of gender-based violence, can build the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in the skilled trades. This is about opening doors to rewarding careers, greater financial independence and a stronger future for workers, families and employers across Ontario.”
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is receiving $2,000,048 to help 42 women who are survivors of gender-based violence prepare for jobs in the skilled trades, with participants receiving skills training, employment supports and wraparound services to build careers in carpentry, cabinetmaking, machinery mechanics and transportation equipment mechanics.
The Redwood for Women and Children Fleeing Abuse is receiving $914,110 to provide 100 survivors of gender-based violence with training, mentorship, financial assistance and trauma-informed supports to help them become HVAC technicians, gas fitters, refrigeration mechanics and other construction-related skilled trades professionals.
The Canadian Association of Women in Construction is receiving $459,675 to train 120 women for supervisory and project management roles in construction, while the Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre is receiving $496,153 to help 50 women remain employed and advance in their careers through employment opportunities, wraparound supports and inclusive workplace training.
The government said the round 6 projects have been evaluated and selected under a strengthened program that aligns with recommendations from the auditor general’s 2025 program review, including tracking longer-term employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months, increasing transparency around the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, and strengthening project selection through more rigorous screening and risk assessment.
According to the province, more than 385,000 women were working in skilled trades-related professions in Ontario in 2025, representing almost one-third of the province’s skilled trades workforce, with 15 per cent of active apprentices now female — the highest share since the ministry began collecting the data.
