Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is committing close to $17 million from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to enhance workforce training in Northern Ontario. This investment aims to prepare over 36,000 workers for high-demand jobs in sectors such as mining, construction, energy, and forestry, and to build new training facilities in the region.
“We’re providing the necessary support and investments to help workers in Northern Ontario secure well-paying jobs in key industries,” said Premier Doug Ford. ‘By collaborating with local partners, including First Nations, labor unions, and the private sector, we can further develop critical sectors like mining, construction, forestry, and energy that drive Ontario’s growth and success.”
The funding will be allocated through the Training and Capital streams of the SDF. These streams focus on recruiting, training, and upskilling workers, as well as constructing or upgrading training centers for skilled trades. This new allocation brings the total investment in Northern workers through the SDF to nearly $117 million.
Projects include:
- Science North: $3.27 million from the SDF Capital Stream to establish a new training facility for up to 35,000 youth and apprentices over five years, focusing on careers in mining and skilled trades.
- Sheet Metal Workers Union (SMART) Local 397: $1.07 million from the SDF Capital Stream to build a training center for sheet metal workers and roofers, aimed at training 760 individuals over five years through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.
- Keewaytinook Okimakanak: $1 million from the SDF Training Stream to recruit, train, and mentor members from six First Nation communities in carpentry and other building trades, preparing them for careers in residential, commercial, and industrial construction.
- International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental & Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 759: $644,461 from the SDF Capital Stream to construct a new training center with welding facilities for 150 participants in structural ironwork.
- Northern Centre for Advanced Technology (NORCAT): $580,000 from the SDF Training Stream to offer training programs focusing on skills and safety in forestry, mining, exploration, and energy development.
- Agnico Eagle Mines Limited: $10 million from the SDF Training Stream to train individuals for careers in mining, in partnership with Matachewan First Nation, Taykwa Tagamou Nation, and Moose Cree First Nation.