Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is taking action to address the growing demand for skilled workers. Last Friday (Nov. 29), the government announced a second round of funding for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, with more than $74 million available to support the construction, expansion, and renovation of training facilities in areas like construction, manufacturing, healthcare and technology.
Organizations interested in applying can submit applications year-round through Transfer Payment Ontario. More information and application guidelines are available on the SDF Capital Stream website.
This funding is part of Ontario’s broader effort to build a skilled workforce to meet the demands of a changing economy. The province has now invested up to $1.4 billion in the SDF, which is expected to help train more than one million workers.
David Piccini, Ontario’s minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, emphasized the importance of skilled workers in supporting major infrastructure projects. “We need skilled workers to build Ontario’s future — whether it’s new homes, better transportation or clean energy,” he said. “This new funding will help accelerate training opportunities across the province.”
The SDF Capital Stream, launched in 2023, supports businesses and training organizations in building or upgrading facilities to train more workers. This second round introduces a simplified application process and a new SEED pathway, designed to help smaller organizations cover early planning and design costs. The change aims to make it easier for organizations with fewer resources to get started on large-scale projects.
“We’ve heard from businesses and training providers that they need more support in the early stages of construction,” Piccini said. “This new pathway removes a barrier for those ready to invest in workforce development but who need extra help to get started.”
Another key change is that applications will now be accepted year-round, instead of during limited windows. The government hopes this will speed up the review process and reduce delays for projects.
The first round of funding has already supported renovation and construction projects that will provide training for nearly 250,000 workers across Ontario. These new training facilities are helping to address the need for skilled workers in sectors like construction, manufacturing, healthcare and emerging technologies.
Marc Arsenault, business manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, stressed the importance of the funding. “As the industry grows, we need more skilled workers. This funding will ensure the next generation of tradespeople has the training and resources they need to succeed.”
Unions like LiUNA and the Ontario Ironworkers District Council have already benefited from previous rounds of funding, with local training centers seeing much-needed upgrades. “The Skills Development Fund has been a game-changer,” said Joseph Mancinelli, international vice president of LiUNA. “It’s not just about jobs; it’s about investing in people’s futures.”
Ontario’s economy is growing rapidly, especially in construction, infrastructure and clean energy. The SDF is designed to ensure that workers are ready to fill the high-demand jobs these sectors require.
“Our goal is to train more than one million workers,” Piccini said. “Skilled trades are the backbone of Ontario’s economy, and this funding will help us build the workforce of tomorrow.”
Mike Gallagher, business manager of IUOE Local 793, which represents thousands of operating engineers in Ontario, added, “With this funding, we’ll be able to train more young people for stable, high-paying careers in the trades. The future of Ontario’s infrastructure depends on it.”
As the SDF Capital Stream enters its second round, Ontario continues to prioritize training and apprenticeship programs to prepare workers for the jobs of the future. The SDF’s two funding streams — Capital, which supports infrastructure projects, and Training, which focuses on upskilling and apprenticeships — are part of the province’s ongoing investment in building a skilled workforce.
