Ontario Construction News staff writer
TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing more than $9.8 million in six training projects designed to prepare nearly 1,150 workers and jobseekers for jobs in construction, manufacturing, transportation, skilled trades and emerging technologies.
The funding is part of the sixth round of the province’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
The largest grants include $3 million for the Automotive Industries Association of Canada to train 216 people and upgrade the skills of existing workers, including training in electric and hybrid vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems.
Youth Ottawa is receiving $2.69 million to train 350 young people for skilled-trades careers through a free six-week program that includes safety and technical training, construction skills, workplace certifications and AI-supported learning.
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is receiving more than $1.7 million to train 180 people for jobs such as carpentry, bricklaying and construction supervision.
Other funding includes:
- Skills Canada Ontario — $1.2 million to train 250 people for jobs in construction, manufacturing and mining, including carpentry, plumbing and industrial trades supervision.
- Canadian Marine Careers Foundation — $987,376 to train 96 people for seafaring jobs on cargo ships, tugs and ferries and help existing workers move into higher-skilled positions.
- John Howard Society of Ottawa — $194,986 to help 50 jobseekers from underrepresented groups prepare for jobs in construction, manufacturing and automotive trades.
The province says the programs are intended to help address labour shortages and prepare workers for jobs in industries where demand is expected to grow.
Skills Canada Ontario will combine technical training with career coaching, workplace preparation and job placements.
“This program will allow 250 people to receive training and employment to help them build their futures in the skilled trades,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Canada Ontario.
The YMCA said its funding will allow it to expand its Power of Trades program in Ottawa, including opening a second technical training space.
The organization says the program will focus on helping people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, enter the skilled trades.
“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, the organization’s president and CEO.
The latest funding round also includes changes to how the province evaluates and monitors the programs.
The government says it will track participants’ employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months after training. Applicants must also disclose whether they used registered lobbyists or consultants, with that information checked against Ontario’s Lobbyists Registry.
The province says it has strengthened project screening, risk assessments and due diligence, including reviews of individuals associated with applications.
The changes follow recommendations from the auditor general’s 2025 review of the Skills Development Fund.
Ontario says the first five rounds of the program supported more than 1,000 projects and helped more than 100,000 participants find employment within 60 days of completing their programs.
People interested in the new training programs are being advised to contact the organizations delivering them directly.
