Ontario Investing Up to $260 Million to Train Workers

Government of Ontario

August 1, 2024

Applications now open for largest round of Skills Development Fund to train workers in manufacturing, construction and technology

 The Ontario government’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream opens today, with up to an additional $260 million available, the biggest funding round since the Fund launched in 2021. Building on the success of the previous four rounds, the fifth round will help tackle Ontario’s labour shortage by connecting jobseekers with employers, allowing them to begin rewarding careers in in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, construction and technology.

“Under Premier Ford, our government has revived our province’s manufacturing and construction sectors – and the key to our success is Ontario’s workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Today, our government launches the fifth round of our Skills Development Fund, with up to $260 million available in funding – making this the largest round yet and the biggest investment in skills training in Ontario’s history. We are calling on Ontario’s business and labour communities and everyone with an interest in training workers to submit their proposals and help us build Ontario.”

Beginning today, employers, employment service and training providers, labour unions, business and industry organizations, municipalities, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders, service system managers and other community organizations eligible for funding should submit their proposals through Transfer Payment Ontario. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until October 4, 2024.

This latest round of funding brings Ontario’s total investment through the Skills Development Fund to up to $1.4 billion. As Ontario continues to grow, the SDF will help ensure skilled workers are trained and ready to fill rewarding jobs in in-demand sectors in their communities.


Quick Facts

The SDF Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Inquiries on how to apply to the SDF Training Stream should be addressed to skillsdevelopmentfund@ontario.ca.

SDF has two streams: the Training Stream supports hiring, training, and upskilling programs for jobseekers, apprentices, and workers; and the Capital Stream supports upgrades or construction of training centres for the skilled trades.

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has helped almost 600,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 66,000 construction workers, over 92,000 manufacturing workers and over 36,000 personal support workers and health care workers.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Guide to the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1[i], 26th Edition – A Road Map: Section 28 – Motors and Generators

    Rule 28-000 – Scope states that Section 28is a supplementary or amendatory section of the code and provides additional and specific requirements for the installation, wiring methods, conductors, protection, and control of all motors and generators. Read More…

  • Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    Statement by ECAO Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on Tariffs

    February 7, 2025 ECAO posted the following statement from Executive Director, Graeme Aitken on their website regarding potential U.S. Tariffs: For almost 80 years, the Electrical Contractors’ Association of Ontario (ECAO) has served and represented the interests of Ontario’s industry-leading, unionized electrical contractors. Over those many decades, ECAO has stepped up during times of challenge… Read More…

  • Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    Rigid PVC Conduit vs. ENT in High-Rise and Multi-Use Applications

    February 7, 2025 By Phil Crangi Choosing the right high-rise construction conduit can significantly impact project efficiency and costs. While rigid PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) conduit may have a lower upfront cost, ENT (Electrical Nonmetallic Tubing) offers more significant advantages due to its long-term labor savings and installation efficiency. ENT and fittings form an integrated system… Read More…

  • EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    EFC Tariff Response: Advocating for Free Trade

    February 7, 2025 STATEMENT FROM CAROL MCGLOGAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, ELECTRO-FEDERATION CANADA ON U.S. TARIFFS Electro-Federation Canada (EFC), representing Canada’s electrical and automation industry, strongly opposes the recent tariffs announced (an subsequently delayed) by President Trump on Canadian imports. These tariffs threaten to disrupt North American supply chains, increase costs for businesses and consumers, and… Read More…


Changing Scene