Ontario Construction News staff writer
Premier Doug Ford has announced new funding aimed at addressing Ontario’s labour shortage and providing training for trade workers in Kitchener. The province is providing $260 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to connect workers in manufacturing, construction, and technology with high-paying jobs within their communities.
This latest announcement brings the total investment in the SDF to $1.4 billion since its inception in 2021. Previously, $7.2 million of the fund was allocated to training nearly 3,300 workers in Kitchener and across Ontario.
“By continuing to work for workers and make these important investments, we are also tackling Ontario’s labour shortage and bringing back good-paying jobs in manufacturing and the skilled trades,” Ford stated at the press conference.
The SDF aims to help organizations overcome challenges related to hiring, training, or retraining workers. To date, there have been four rounds of investments made to the fund, with today’s announcement marking the fifth round. Eligible applicants for the funding include employers, employment service providers, training providers, labour unions, community organizations, and business and industry organizations.
“Whether your passion is developing the next generation of electric vehicles (EVs), building nuclear power stations, or creating homes for new families, our government is making sure you have the opportunity to thrive,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The government says it has invested more than $20 million in training in Kitchener, including funding for the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association, Grand Valley Construction Association, and Christian Labour Association of Canada.