Ontario Investing $260 Million to Protect and Train Workers
August 20, 2025

Latest round of funding is part of the province’s $2.5 billion investment in the Skills Development Fund
The Ontario government is continuing to deliver on its plan to protect workers by launching the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream. This round will provide $260 million for innovative projects that support the hiring, training and upskilling of workers in manufacturing, health care, construction, automotive and other skilled trades. This investment is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment through SDF to protect Ontario workers by giving them the tools they need to land rewarding, good-paying jobs, while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty.
“Our government is protecting Ontario by training the workers we need to keep building, no matter what global challenges come our way,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through this $260 million investment in the Skills Development Fund, we’re funding results-driven training to build the strong workforce we need to support workers and their families and keep building Ontario’s economy.”
After five successful rounds of the SDF training stream, starting as of July 29, a wide range of organizations can now apply for project funding. Employers, employment service and training providers, labour unions, business and industry organizations, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders, service system managers and other community organizations eligible for funding can submit their proposals through Transfer Payment Ontario. Applications will close on October 1, 2025.
The announcement was made on July 29, in Toronto, where Minister Piccini also announced an investment of over $20 million through the fifth round of SDF to train 4,825 workers and jobseekers for careers in the skilled trades, hospitality and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in health care. These projects include:
- Support Ontario Youth: $3,750,000 to support 1,325 jobseekers, high school graduates and apprentices across 15 skilled trades through tailored education, hands on training, mentorship and employer matching. People interested in participating can visit https://toolsinthetrades.ca/.
- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters: $1,434,786 to train and upskill 500 individuals, including women, youth and newcomers for careers in manufacturing. People interested in participating can apply through https://cme-mec.ca/cme-ontario-skills-development-program/
- Unite Here Local 75: $5,500,000 to train and upskill 1,440 jobseekers and hospitality workers for roles in Ontario’s hospitality sector by offering foundational skills, hands-on training and certifications.
- Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario: $3,776,668 to train 120 participants for painting and glazing trades across Toronto, Ottawa and Ancaster through job readiness training and 12-week placements. Additionally, 800 members of the trade will receive critical upskilling. People interested in participating can apply through Training the Future Workforce: Apprenticeship Readiness Program.
- Ontario Electrical League: $2,995,000 to help 500 journeypersons, registered apprentices, people residing in remote/rural communities with financial aid, training and outreach to address labour shortages in the electrical sector. People interested in participating can apply by contacting the Ontario Electrical League at 905-238-1382.
- Workers First Technologies: $2,013,500 to create digital cross training for Personal Support Workers, Registered Practical Nurses, and Registered Nurses in hospitals and long-term care centres to improve patient care. Learn more at www.workersfirst.io.
- Youth Employment Services (YES): $1,105,125 to provide 140 unemployed youth and other underrepresented groups such as women and people with disabilities with opportunities to learn in-demand skills in Cyber and artificial intelligence (AI). People interested in participating can apply through www.yes.on.ca/career-jumpstart
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province that aims to connect over 700,000 people with training for better jobs with bigger paycheques. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, this next round of funding for the SDF Training Stream is part of the government’s nearly $1 billion expansion of the SDF over the next three years, for a total of $2.5 billion, to support major industries and sectors while training the workers needed to build and strengthen Ontario’s economy to withstand whatever comes our way.
Quick Facts
- SDF Training Stream Round 6 applications opened July 29, 2025. People interested in applying to the SDF Training Stream can visit the SDF Training Stream website and contact skillsdevelopmentfund@ontario.ca for more information. People interested in participating in the projects announced on July 29 are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The SDF has two streams: the Training Stream supports hiring, training, and upskilling programs for jobseekers, apprentices, and workers; and the Capital Stream supports upgrades or construction of training centres to train people for emerging and in-demand jobs in critical sectors of Ontario’s economy.
- Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
- This announcement of Toronto-based funding will deliver necessary training in Ontario’s economic hub. In the first quarter of 2025, there were 87,955 (47 per cent) jobs going unfilled in Toronto.
- In Round 5, a total of 816 applications were received. Of these, 246 projects were selected, representing a total investment of $345 million to support the training of over 121,700 individuals. The projects selected include 105 (43 per cent) that will support the construction of buildings, 63 (26 per cent) that will support specialty trade contractors, and 35 (14 per cent) that will support heavy and civil engineering construction.
- The SDF Training Stream Rounds 1-5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training Round 6 is supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
“Ontario is home to some of the most talented workers anywhere in the world, and it is because of their contributions to our economy and our communities that our government will always be there to support them. In the face of continued economic headwinds, we are leveraging this latest round of funding to hire, train and upskill current and future generations of workers who will empower our province’s economic growth, and help us protect Ontario.”
– Peter Bethlenfalvy
Minister of Finance
“Protecting Ontario means investing in the people who keep our communities strong, secure, and moving forward. Through this critical funding, we’re building a workforce that can withstand global pressures and economic uncertainty — because when Ontario workers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed, our province is safer, more resilient, and better protected for whatever lies ahead.”
– Michael Kerzner
Solicitor General of Ontario
“Support Ontario Youth is grateful for the continued support of Minister Piccini and the Ford government. Today’s announcement of another unprecedented investment in the Skills Development Fund demonstrates our government’s strong and continued commitment to skills training and closing the skilled trades gap. Investments like this are especially important as we navigate uncertain economic times, and they make a real difference in the lives of Ontario’s future tradespeople – those people who are building our communities, supporting our industries, and powering our progress.”
– Melanie Winter
Executive Director, Support Ontario Youth
“A resilient workforce starts with engaging people of all backgrounds, ages, and experiences to explore rewarding careers in manufacturing. As Ontario manufacturers adapt to shifting international trade conditions, accessible, industry-driven training from CME – made possible by the Skills Development Fund – provides the stability needed to train and upskill the next generations of workers, helping keep our firms safe, strong, and competitive. The program expansion announced in Budget 2025, along with today’s announcement, are important steps forward. These initiatives will provide crucial funding for the training needed to preserve a strong future for Ontario Made talent. Keep calm and keep training.”
– Dennis Darby
President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)
“UNITE HERE Local 75 welcomes this announcement and the Government of Ontario’s continuous investments to address workforce needs amid ongoing economic uncertainty. We recognize this government’s role in supporting job seekers and workers across Ontario, especially those in the hospitality industry. Through our training center, we remain focused on providing opportunities to upskill and train for in-demand occupations and creating pathways to employment that meet our industry’s talent demands.”
– Guled Warsame
President, UNITE HERE Local 75
“On behalf of Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Provincial Government of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford and Minister David Piccini for this outstanding investment in skilled trades training—specifically in support of the Painters, and Glaziers Finishing Trades. The Training the Future Workforce Readiness Program is committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are being put to good use by equipping skilled painters and glaziers with the tools they need to succeed. Through this initiative, workers are not only gaining meaningful employment but are also upgrading their skills on the job—contributing to a safer, more prepared workforce across Ontario. This next round will further strengthen our commitment to workforce development by ensuring our apprentices receive the training they need to transition into secure, meaningful employment. We’re proud to continue investing in the skills and futures of our apprentices.”
– Antonella Di Caro
Executive Director, Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario
“As the voice of Ontario’s small-to-medium independent Licensed Electrical Contractors, the Ontario Electrical League welcomes the province’s expanded investment through its sixth Skills Development Fund. Rising economic pressures, including U.S. tariff threats, are straining the construction industry and making it harder to meet the demands of Canada’s housing crisis. At the same time, Ontario’s electrical sector faces an historic labour shortage, with too few new workers to replace the retiring workforce. This investment is a vital support system, helping us build a skilled, mobile, and resilient workforce while positioning the trades as a rewarding career for youth and newcomers. We commend and express our gratitude to Minister Piccini and Premier Ford for their ongoing commitment to strengthening the skilled trades, supporting small businesses, and increasing Ontario’s contribution to Canada’s Red Seal workforce. Well done!”
– Beatrice Sharkey
President, Ontario Electrical League
“We recognize and commend the leadership of the Government of Ontario, Premier Doug Ford, and Minister David Piccini for their strategic investment in healthcare training for workers. Through the Skills Development Fund, we’re empowering our team to receive cutting-edge digital training that enhances the skills of frontline healthcare workers and improves the quality of care across the province.”
– Anish Makim
Co-Founder, WorkersFirst Technologies Inc
“Everyday Youth Employment Services sees firsthand the positive impact on countless lives thanks to the support of the Government of Ontario and Skills Development Fund (SDF). The new SDF investment will help make Ontario even stronger through job creation in future of work areas, including cyber security and AI. SDF will enable YES to create long lasting careers, help thousands of businesses, and change lives forever. Together we are making Ontario stronger every day.”
– Timothy Lang
President & CEO, YES – Youth Employment Services
“At a time when harmful tariffs threaten local jobs and economic stability, there has never been a more critical moment to invest in our workforce and protect the hardworking men and women who build this province. LiUNA commends Premier Ford and Minister Piccini for their continued leadership through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream — a direct investment in people, potential, and the future of Ontario’s labour force. This is how we eliminate barriers, grow opportunity, and build a stronger Ontario, together.”
– Joseph Mancinelli
LiUNA International Vice President, Canadian Director and Regional Manager of Central and Eastern Canada
“The foundation of a strong economy begins with better training, more opportunities, and access to good union jobs. Especially in this period of economic uncertainty, Ontario’s workforce planning can’t be left to chance and this continued investment in the Skills Development Fund is a testament to this government’s ongoing commitment to workers and the solutions that support them.”
– Tyler Downey
President, SEIU Healthcare
“The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario welcomes today’s announcement of investing an additional $260 million towards the Skills Development Fund (SDF). These investments in the skilled trades reinforce the government’s ongoing partnerships with industry and the shared goal of securing the best possible training across all disciplines of the construction sector.”
– Marc Arsenault
Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
“During this moment of economic uncertainty in the face of the trade war with the United States, Ontario is taking a critical step to future-proof our workforce by providing access to training programs that will create long-term employment opportunities for in-demand careers in areas like the skilled trades. In its first five rounds, SDF Training has been a resounding success for participants and employers, and the Carpenters’ Union applauds the Ontario Government’s continued commitment to workers shown by opening the SDF Round 6 intake.”
– Tom Cardinal
President and Chief of Staff, Carpenters’ Regional Council
“Ontario needs a strong, safe and well-trained workforce to deliver the critical infrastructure our province depends on. CLAC is pleased to support today’s announcement and proud to continue our partnership with the Government of Ontario through this important fund. Together, we’ve supported apprentices, trained new and young workers and helped develop leadership across the skilled trades. This new investment will strengthen the workforce and expand access to stable, meaningful employment during a time of economic uncertainty.”
– Ian DeWaard
Provincial Director, Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC)
“Today’s investment by the Ontario government through the Skills Development Fund is a crucial step toward building a stronger, more resilient workforce. By supporting training and upskilling opportunities, this initiative not only empowers individuals across the province but also strengthens Ontario’s economy for the future. On behalf of Achēv, we applaud the Ontario government for supporting this important work that puts people on a faster path to prosperity.”
– Tonie Chaltas
CEO, Achēv
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