KITCHENER — The Ontario government is investing up to an additional $260 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to tackle the province’s labour shortage and connect Ontario workers with high-paying jobs in their communities. This will be the largest round of funding since the SDF Training Stream was launched in 2021 and brings Ontario’s total investment through the Fund to up to $1.4 billion. The government is also investing over $7.2 million through a previous round of SDF to train nearly 3,300 workers in the Kitchener area and across Ontario.

“Our government’s record investments in the Skills Development Fund are helping connect workers here in Kitchener and across the province to better jobs and bigger paycheques,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By continuing to work for workers and make these important investments, we are also tackling Ontario’s labour shortage and bringing back good-paying jobs in manufacturing and the skilled trades.”

Building on the success of the previous four rounds, Ontario will open the fifth round of SDF Training Stream on July 29, 2024, to address challenges for recruiting, training and upskilling workers for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, construction and technology. Organizations eligible for funding include employers, employment service, training providers, labour unions, community organizations, business and industry organizations, municipalities, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders and service system managers.

“Under Premier Ford, our government has revived our province’s manufacturing and construction sectors – and the key to our success is Ontario’s workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why our government is launching the biggest round of our Skills Development Fund yet by investing up to $260 million to train even more workers across the province. Whether your passion is developing the next generation of EVs, building nuclear power stations or creating homes for new families, our government is making sure you have the opportunity to thrive.”

The announcement was made in Kitchener, where the government also announced an investment of over $7.2 million through the fourth round of SDF to train nearly 3,300 local workers and jobseekers for well-paying careers in manufacturing and construction. This brings Ontario’s total investment in training for Kitchener area workers to over $20 million. These projects include:

• Canadian Tooling and Machining Association: $5,466,080 to create technical skills development opportunities for at least 3,000 high school students in manufacturing technology programs. This funding will also deliver 300 paid job placements for approximately 160 young people and create 30 new apprenticeships in the precision metalworking industry across Ontario, including tool and die makers, mould makers and computer-numerical-control (CNC) machinists.
• Grand Valley Construction Association: $1,086,058 to deliver free job-ready training for careers in construction such as painting, drywall, carpentry, roofing and masonry work, as well as health and safety training, and match participants with local employers through paid job placements. Participants will include jobseekers and people from underrepresented and vulnerable groups such as Indigenous people, newcomers, and justice-involved individuals in Waterloo, Brant and Wellington regions.
• Christian Labour Association of Canada: $723,688 to provide free training and paid job placements for workers in construction. The training will focus on the basics of construction and essential skills in health, safety and wellness. Participants will include women, Indigenous people, newcomers, young people, underrepresented people and justice-involved individuals across the province.

Quick Facts

Quotes

“Waterloo Region is growing, and I am pleased that our government is supporting our workers right here in Kitchener with this $7.2 million investment through the Skills Development Fund. I know that tackling the labour shortage has been at the forefront of our minds and I see this funding as a crucial step in addressing those concerns.”

– Mike Harris
MPP for Kitchener – Conestoga

“As the MPP for Cambridge, I am thrilled to see the substantial investments being made in my community. The Skills Development Fund is a driving force of our province’s growth and prosperity. I look forward to seeing even more local companies benefit from the next round of funding as we remain committed to tackling our province’s labour shortage.”

– Brian Riddell
MPP for Cambridge

“Today’s announcement is a clear testament to our commitment to building a stronger Ontario. I am proud to represent a government that is dedicated to growing the trades workforce and ensuring that our province remains at the forefront of economic growth and innovation. This is not just an investment in our economy; it’s an investment in our people and our future. By empowering individuals with the skills they need, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous Ontario that remains the best place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

– Will Bouma
MPP for Brantford – Brant

“The government’s latest local investment via the Skills Development Fund is crucial for preparing smart, hardworking Ontarians for in-demand careers. Our region is a center of manufacturing and trades excellence and I’m thrilled to see the government recognizing and supporting the incredible talent we have here.”

– Jess Dixon
MPP for Kitchener South – Hespeler

“On behalf of the CTMA, I would like to thank the Ontario Government for supporting this important initiative. Through the Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities program, we have been able to offer experiential work placements for job seekers and facilitate the delivery of new machinery to high schools across Ontario. These efforts are pivotal in fostering the growth and sustainability of our industry while enhancing educational opportunities for students.”

– Robert Cattle
Executive Director of the Canadian Tooling & Machining Association

“CLAC congratulates Premier Ford and the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for their continuing investment in the trades through the Ontario Skills Development Fund. We’re grateful and proud of SDF support for our Construction Bootcamp, which addresses the skills gap and creates a pathway to a well-paid career in the trades, particularly for youth and underrepresented groups. The construction staffing shortage must be addressed if workers and contractors are to meet the infrastructure, housing, and institutional needs of a growing and prosperous province, and the government is meeting these challenges.”

– Ian DeWaard
Ontario Director of the Christian Labour Association of Canada

“Grand Valley Construction Association recognizes the current and future skilled trades talent shortage. This program gathers diverse local individuals interested in trades but struggling to find jobs. The Path to Employment through the Skills Development Fund provides basic skills and certifications, combining training with paid job placements. This approach has already led to full-time employment for many participants, removing barriers for both employers and employees. This successful program will be crucial for future employment in the Waterloo Region and across the province.”

– Jeff MacIntyre
President of the Grand Valley Construction Association

“The Skills Development Fund has been a game changer for the construction industry. The funds have enabled innovative training partnerships, pathways and programs that have served to attract and support many new participants into the skilled trades. PCA members are pleased to partner with CLAC, as their SDF funding allows young people the chance to explore rewarding careers in the skilled trades and assists in mentoring apprentices so they can complete and advance their pathway to becoming a licensed journeyperson.”

– Karen Renkema
Vice President, Ontario for the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA)

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