August 18, 2026
Source: Government of Ontario
OTTAWA — The Ontario government is supporting workers’ training and economic growth through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream. Through an investment of more than $9.8 million across six training projects, Ontario aims to help nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers access training and prepare for rewarding, in-demand careers across major Canadian industries. These projects will deliver specialized training in critical industries, including the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, transportation and emerging technologies, ensuring Ontario has the skilled workforce needed to stay competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and deliver Ontario’s $236 billion plan to build the homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure that will protect Ontario workers and communities.
“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,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, we’re creating new opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while strengthening the workforce that will build Ontario’s homes, deliver critical infrastructure and drive economic growth. These investments are helping protect workers, strengthen communities and keep Ontario competitive.”
Minister Piccini and Minister Quinn were joined by staff and students from National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA at their Power of Trades Development Centre, which is receiving more than $1.7 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to help 180 participants gain skills for in-demand jobs such as carpentry, bricklaying, and construction supervision, preparing them for careers in construction and building retrofitting.
“Whether world-class training is delivered through community organizations, apprenticeship pathways or our postsecondary institutions, our government is ensuring Ontario workers have access to the skills they need to land in-demand, good paying jobs,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Amid economic uncertainty, this investment is strengthening our pipeline of highly skilled workers to keep our businesses and communities prosperous.”
Through SDF Training Stream Round 6, the Ontario government is also partnering with five other organizations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities:
- Automotive Industries Association of Canada is receiving $3,000,000 to train 216 people for rewarding careers in the automotive sector and upskill existing workers. Participants will receive hands-on training in automotive service and emerging technologies, while licensed journeypersons and senior apprentices will build specialized skills in electric and hybrid vehicles while advancing driver assistance systems to keep pace with evolving industry needs.
- John Howard Society of Ottawa is receiving $194,986 to connect 50 jobseekers from underrepresented groups to meaningful employment in the construction, manufacturing and automotive sectors. Participants will receive trade-specific training, industry-recognized certifications and individualized employment supports, including job matching and career coaching, to prepare for in-demand careers, such as being an automotive service technician, electrician or plumber.
- Skills Canada Ontario is receiving $1,190,240 to train 250 participants for rewarding careers in the construction, manufacturing and mining sectors. Through sector-specific training, career coaching and workplace readiness supports, participants will develop essential skills and access to job placements in occupations such as carpentry, plumbing and industrial trades supervision.
- Youth Ottawa is receiving $2,687,150 to train 350 young people for rewarding careers in the skilled trades through micro-credentials in safety, technical foundations and construction. Through a free six-week program, participants will receive hands-on training, workplace certifications and AI-powered learning supports, while building connections with employers and preparing for careers in the electrical trades.
- Canadian Marine Careers Foundation is receiving $987,376 to train 96 people for rewarding seafaring positions on board domestic vessels such as cargo ships, tugs and ferries that support Ontario’s major industries, including helping existing workers advance into higher-skilled positions. Participants will receive hands-on training in marine safety and seamanship, earn industry-recognized certifications and connect directly with marine employers.
The new SDF Training Stream Round 6 projects have been evaluated, selected and will be delivered through a strengthened program that aligns with recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review. These enhancements include:
- Tracking longer-term employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months to better measure success and improve program monitoring.
- Increasing transparency by requiring applications to disclose the use of registered lobbyists and consultants, with information verified against Ontario’s Lobbyists Registry.
- Strengthening project selection through a more rigorous project screening, risk assessment and evaluation process.
Above and beyond the Auditor General’s recommendations, the ministry also implemented new tools for risk management and due diligence, including analyzing individuals associated with applications, in addition to the organization.
The enhanced SDF Training Stream Round 6 is part of the government’s plan to Protect Ontario by ensuring workers are prepared with the skills needed for in-demand careers. By investing in training and upskilling projects, the government is helping protect Ontario workers and communities by building the skilled workforce needed to stronger, more resilient communities.
“With demand for workers in the skilled trades growing, the YMCA of the National Capital Region is proud to deliver effective skilled trades programs that help participants – particularly those from underrepresented groups – rise to their full potential,” said Trevor McAlmont, President and CEO of YMCA of the National Capital Region. “Thanks to increased investment from the Government of Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Skills Development Fund, the Power of Trades: Home Builders Training Program by the YMCA of the National Capital Region will double its impact, reaching over 1,235 participants and enabling the launch of a second technical training space in Ottawa. This $1.7M investment will help boost sector productivity and provide participants with the tools, knowledge and certifications to start their career in the skilled trades with confidence.”
Quick Facts
- People interested in participating in the projects announced today should contact the lead organization directly.
- Through Rounds 1-5, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has helped more than 100,000 participants find employment within sixty days of completing their program.
- Rounds 1-5 of the SDF Training Stream supported more than 1,000 training projects and aimed to help over 700,000 workers gain the skills needed for good-paying jobs in high-demand sectors.
- In the Ottawa region alone, our government has partnered with industry, labour, and research and education organizations by investing over $130 million since 2024 into programs that will help create skills training opportunities for youth to access good-paying careers.
- Through Budget 2025, the Ontario government invested $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning.
- In May, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades. This is part of the government’s new long-term funding model, which will bring $6.4 billion to our colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.
- The Skills Development Fund Training Stream Round 6 is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
“Government investments that support job creation are especially important during a critical time for our economy. By supporting businesses and not-for-profit organizations that create jobs and opportunities for people in Carleton and across Ottawa, we are helping strengthen our local economy, provide stability for workers and families, and build a strong foundation for future growth.”
– George Darouze Member of Provincial Parliament for Carleton
“Investments like these create opportunities for workers, businesses and communities across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario. A strong and skilled workforce strengthens our entire region, including my riding of Glengarry–Prescott–Russell. This is good news for workers and employers across our region.”
– Stephane Sarrazin Member of Provincial Parliament for Glengarry – Prescott – Russell
“Congratulations to the organizations receiving funding through our government’s Skills Development Fund. These investments are about more than training – they’re about opening doors to good-paying jobs, helping people gain the skills that employers need and strengthening eastern Ontario’s workforce for many years to come. Our government is making sure people in our communities can build rewarding careers, while helping to grow local businesses.”
– John Jordan Member of Provincial Parliament for Lanark – Frontenac – Kingston
“Ontario’s $9.8 million investment through the Skills Development Fund will help nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers gain practical skills and pursue in-demand careers. These projects complement Skilled Trades Ontario’s mandate to promote the skilled trades, strengthen pathways into apprenticeship and certification, and support a highly qualified workforce. We thank Minister Piccini and Premier Ford for investing in training that connects more people with employers and helps build the talent Ontario needs for housing, infrastructure and economic growth.”
– Candice White Chief Executive Officer & Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario
“Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped AIA Canada and college partners expand our Innovation in Automotive Training Program, giving more workers access to practical skills development for Canada’s ever-changing auto care sector. Continued investment in this project supports employers, strengthens workforce readiness, and helps ensure Canadian vehicles are maintained safely and reliably on the road.”
– Emily Chung President & CEO of AIA Canada
“At John Howard Society of Ottawa, we see firsthand the systemic barriers experienced by underrepresented jobseekers, including persons with disabilities, Black and racialized persons, justice-involved individuals, Indigenous peoples, women, youth, immigrants and individuals from 2SLGBTQ+ communities. Our TradeAble project, funded through the Skills Development Fund, not only addresses the skilled labour gap in Ottawa’s trades but also supports marginalized people who want to enter the trades from application, to training, through to long-term retention. This funding will help us reduce their barriers to entry and allow us to continue supporting them as they get established in the trades. Our program participants will be fully prepared for apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships and other paid trade jobs. People who never thought they would be able to get a good job will now be able to have a long-term career with excellent prospects.”
– Jan Goatcher Manager, Employment and Training Services, John Howard Society of Ottawa
“Skills Ontario is pleased to partner with the MLITSD’s Skills Development Fund to deliver our new program Trade up — Move Up. This program will allow 250 people to receive training and employment to help them build their futures in the skilled trades. We thank and applaud Premier Ford and Minister Piccini for supporting this initiative that will work to build Ontario’s future workforce. It is another example of Ontario’s leadership in the promotion and development of skilled trades, and we are thrilled to be part of it.”
– Ian Howcroft CEO, Skills Canada Ontario
“Youth Ottawa would like to sincerely thank the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development for the opportunity to build resilience for the youth of Ottawa. We are excited to offer a 120-hour, six-week course, called Youth Pathways Into Skilled Trades, designed to teach 350 youth 18-29 years of age the best pathways into careers in the skilled trades. The curriculum will introduce equity deserving youth to selected career pathways in the skilled trades, including certifications required to work on Ontario job sites. The goal is for our youth to be able to obtain jobs in industries where there is a significant need and requirement for younger workers. The SDF is enabling all participants to be better prepared to work in the skilled trades, supplying them with all necessary PPE’s, certifications, base knowledge, and because of the grant we have received, all materials and tuition expenses are free of charge.”
– Jesse Card CEO, Youth Ottawa
“Ontario’s marine sector is facing a critical shortage of workers, creating an urgent need to connect jobseekers across the province with careers in the industry. By investing in a skilled, future-ready workforce, the Ontario government is helping address labour-market gaps and contributing to a stronger marine sector and the province’s continued economic growth.”
– Julia Fields Executive Director, Canadian Marine Careers Foundation