Ontario Investing More Than $8.6 Million to Support Women in the Skilled Trades
November 2, 2025
The Ontario government announced it’s investing more than $8.6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help more than 1,700 women across the GTA access training and prepare for good-paying, in-demand jobs in the skilled trades. This funding is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment in the SDF to protect workers by giving them the tools they need to land rewarding, good-paying jobs while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs.
“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 investing 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.”
Minister Piccini made the announcement at IBEW 353 in North York, which is receiving $2,306,312 to expand the Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices. Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with five organizations across the GTA to deliver training programs that break down barriers and open more doors for women to make the skilled trades more accessible to everyone. People interested in these programs are encouraged to contact the lead organizations directly:
- Enercare Home Services is receiving $186,170 to deliver eight bootcamps across York Region for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12. Each bootcamp will provide transportation, tools, safety equipment and educational materials, while offering hands-on experience and mentorship in electrical, plumbing and HVAC in a safe environment.
- Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto is receiving $2,500,000 to provide racialized immigrant and refugee women with skills development training in project management, digital literacy and non-profit management. Participants will receive training stipends and employment counselling supports, including job interview practice and resume writing.
- Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is receiving $756,252 to support women in the skilled trades, by developing and delivering information sessions, courses in financial wellness and construction writing. Participants will receive in-person and online training for 40 weeks and be introduced to employers for jobs in the construction trades.
- Brands for Canada is receiving $491,000 to empower young women to enter skilled trades jobs in the manufacturing sector through individualized and comprehensive training workshops, virtual modules, mentorship programs and industry placements.
- The Career Foundation’s A Women’s Work is receiving $2,399,745 to train 260 women for in-demand careers in the skilled trades. Participants will receive hands-on training in areas such as tiling, drywall, framing, painting and roofing, along with comprehensive wraparound supports, including mentorship, self-esteem workshops and gender-focused training — setting them up for meaningful and lasting careers.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream aimed to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing $1 billion more through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support critical industries and make training accessible to even more workers.
Quick Facts
- 1.3 million people are working in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario.
- Over 390,000 women are working in the skilled trades in Ontario.
- New female apprenticeship registrations in Ontario increased by over 11 per cent to 4,157 in 2024-2025.
- Overall apprenticeship registrations were up by over 7 per cent, also a record number of registrations in the past decade.
- Ontario is hosting Level Up! career fairs in communities across the province over 29 days, connecting an expected 50,000+ students, parents, and jobseekers with rewarding, in-demand careers in the skilled trades through hands-on exhibits and live demonstrations.
- The SDF Training Stream rounds 1 to 5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training round 6 is supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
