Ontario invests $10M in trades training

Key Takeaways:

• The Ontario government is allocating $9.8 million across six organizations through Round 6 of the Skills Development Fund to train nearly 1,150 workers for jobs in construction, manufacturing, automotive, marine, and mining.
• Major grants include $3 million to AIA Canada for automotive and EV/hybrid upskilling, $2.68 million to Youth Ottawa for electrical trades, and $1.7 million to the YMCA Power of Trades program to expand Ottawa training facilities.
• Following a 2025 Auditor General review, Round 6 introduces stricter screening measures, mandatory lobbyist disclosures, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-employment tracking to monitor job placement results.

The Whole Story:

Ontario has announced a $9.8-million investment across six training initiatives through Round 6 of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream. Aimed at preparing nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers for careers in construction, skilled trades, automotive technology, marine shipping, and mining, the funding forms part of the province’s $236-billion infrastructure and housing plan.

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini and Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn made the announcement at the YMCA Power of Trades Development Centre in Ottawa.

“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.

The announcement comes alongside updates to the SDF program evaluation process following a 2025 Auditor General review. The ministry has introduced enhanced screening protocols, including 3-, 6-, and 12-month post-employment tracking, mandatory disclosure of registered lobbyists or consultants, and comprehensive background risk assessments for individual applicants.

SDF Round 6 Recipient Breakdown

The $9.8-million allocation funds six specialized projects targeting critical industrial sectors:

• Youth Ottawa ($2,687,150): Delivers a free, six-week program with micro-credentials in safety, technical foundations, and electrical trades—incorporating AI-powered learning tools for 350 young adults.
• Automotive Industries Association (AIA) Canada ($3,000,000): Trains and upskills 216 automotive professionals in emerging technologies, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and electric/hybrid vehicle maintenance.
• National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA ($1,700,000+): Expands the Power of Trades program to train 180 participants in carpentry, masonry, construction supervision, and building retrofitting.
• Skills Canada Ontario ($1,190,240): Provides workplace readiness, coaching, and job placements for 250 participants targeting construction, manufacturing, and mining.
• Canadian Marine Careers Foundation ($987,376): Supports marine safety and seamanship certifications for 96 domestic seafaring workers on cargo vessels, tugs, and ferries.
• John Howard Society of Ottawa ($194,986): Delivers trade-specific training, certifications, and individualized employment supports for 50 jobseekers from underrepresented communities pursuing careers in plumbing, electrical, and automotive trades.