Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is providing more than $8.6 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help over 1,700 women across the Greater Toronto Area access training and prepare for good-paying, in-demand jobs in the skilled trades.
Funding is part of the province’s $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund, which supports workers by giving them the training and tools they need to secure rewarding careers while keeping Ontario’s economy competitive amid U.S. trade pressures.
“Ontario’s economy depends on the skill and determination of its workers, and we’re making sure women have every opportunity to be part of that success,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By providing over $8 million through the Skills Development Fund, we’re opening doors to good-paying careers in the skilled trades, breaking down barriers and helping more women gain the confidence, training and in-demand skills they need to build Ontario’s future.”
Piccini made the announcement at IBEW Local 353 in North York, which is receiving $2.3 million to expand its Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices. The program supports participants as they explore and begin careers in construction and electrical trades.
In the Legislature this week, Piccini is being grilled by opposition parties calling for his resignation over concerns millions from the Skills Development Fund have gone to groups with links to Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservatives.
A report from auditor general Shelley Spence earlier this month found payouts from the fund were “not fair, transparent or accountable” with hundreds of low-scoring applications getting cash and high-scoring ones frozen out.
“The minister should stop hiding behind the women of this province and start taking some responsibility,” said New Democrat Leader Marit Stiles.
Through the SDF, the province is also working with five organizations across the GTA to make skilled trades training more accessible to women:
- Enercare Home Services – $186,170 to run eight bootcamps in York Region for 240 girls and young women in Grades 7 to 12, offering hands-on learning in electrical, plumbing and HVAC with mentorship and safety training.
- Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario – $756,252 to support women entering construction trades through 40 weeks of online and in-person training, including courses in financial wellness and construction writing.
- Brands for Canada – $491,000 to prepare young women for careers in manufacturing through workshops, mentorship and industry placements.
- The Career Foundation (A Women’s Work) – $2.4 million to train 260 women for careers in tiling, drywall, framing, painting and roofing, supported by mentorship and self-esteem workshops.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has provided $1.5 billion through its Training and Capital Streams, helping more than one million workers prepare for in-demand careers. As outlined in the 2025 budget, the government plans to contribute an additional $1 billion over the next three years, bringing the total SDF commitment to $2.5 billion.
“Women belong in every trade,” Piccini said. “When we support their success, we strengthen Ontario’s future.”
