The Ontario government is investing $75 million to expand training for students pursuing careers in construction and urban planning, a move officials say will help the province meet ambitious infrastructure goals and respond to economic pressures from U.S. tariffs.
The funding will create up to 7,800 new student spaces at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across Ontario. The government says the investment will support training in areas such as welding, carpentry, renovation techniques and graduate-level planning programs.
“Our government has bold plans to build the Ontario of tomorrow, and it is critical that we have the homegrown, highly skilled workers to get it done,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “From designing roadways to building homes, this investment will ensure our students have the training they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers that protect and strengthen Ontario’s future in the face of economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs.”
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said the initiative is about protecting long-term job security. “In the midst of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to strengthen our skilled workforce,” he said. “We have an ambitious plan to build Ontario, and by investing in more seats for skills training today, we are protecting the jobs of tomorrow. Each of these additional seats will help ensure Ontario workers can land better jobs with bigger paycheques.”
Colleges and universities across the province will begin adding spaces as early as this fall, with officials stressing that the need for workers is urgent. “Investments like this strengthen Durham College’s ability to transform lives by preparing career-ready graduates who will help meet Ontario’s housing and infrastructure needs,” said Durham College president Dr. Elaine Popp. “Through future-focused training in skilled trades and construction, we equip them with the skills and experience to thrive—building sustainable, connected communities and shaping the province’s future.”
Other ministers welcomed the funding as part of the province’s long-term plan. “Our government is equipping the next generation of home builders with the skills, training, and support they need to succeed,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing. “These future tradespeople and planners will be the driving force behind the homes, communities, and infrastructure that will power Ontario’s growth for generations to come.”
Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure, called the next few years pivotal. “The next three years will be critical for Ontario’s construction industry as more critical infrastructure projects exit the planning phase and enter active construction than ever before,” she said. “This bold investment will ensure Ontario’s construction skilled trades industry is expanded and well-equipped to train the future workforce that will build the subways, highways, long-term care, schools and water infrastructure our province needs for the future.”
The province says the investment is part of its 10-year, $200-billion infrastructure plan to build homes, hospitals, highways and community infrastructure, and is one of several measures aimed at growing the skilled trades workforce.
