Premier of Ontario YouTube screenshot of Pickering announcement on Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025.
The province has announced an investment of more than $2.8 million through its skills development fund training stream to help people in Durham Region and surrounding areas “find good-paying jobs in the construction, manufacturing and skilled trades sector.”
“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty they are causing, our government will always have the backs of Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford, as officials gathered Thursday for the announcement. “By investing in training programs in Durham Region, we’re protecting Ontario workers by helping them get the skills they need to land better jobs and bigger paycheques.”
The monies are supposed to help with training and the tools needed to land in-demand jobs and help Ontario remain competitive. Through this latest round of SDF funding, the government said it is partnering with five organizations to deliver free training programs in sectors impacted in the wake of U.S. tariffs and policies.
In a recent release, it states Drew Carpentry is getting $806,426 to upskill and train people for employment as entry-level framers in the homebuilding industry. Meanwhile, D&R Custom Steel Inc. is receiving $613,000 to train new employees in the manufacturing sector through a four-week training programs with hands-on experience, according to the province.
A $447,500 infusion for Substance Cares will help provide people with autism training in construction and carpentry, in addition to job coaching and inclusive job fairs. The Innovation Cluster in Peterborough and Kawartha is getting $186,240 to help equip tradespeople with skills needed to start and run their own businesses, reads the province’s release.
And FIRST Robotics Canada is getting $798,000 to help with upskilling and skilled trades workshops for students and teachers at Durham College and other partner colleges in Ontario.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini – who also serves as Northumberland-Peterborough South’s MPP – has praised Ontario for taking bold action to build Ontario’s future workforce.
“These investments will help thousands of people in Durham Region and across Ontario gain the skills and experience they need to succeed, while supporting local employers and strengthening our economy,” said Piccini.
Since the launch of SDF training and capital streams in 2021, Ontario has invested a reported $1.5 billion to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers. As previously reported, the province has also announced plans to invest an additional $1 billion through the fund over the next three years, bringing this grand total to $2.5 billion.
Officials have noted that people interested in participating in the programs announced Thursday are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of projects directly.
Meanwhile, as previously reported back at the end of July, the province has also initiated a new call for project proposals through the funding stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF training stream website for further details.
Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON) vice-president Andrew Pariser was among those who praised the province for its investment Thursday.
“RESCON applauds Premier Ford, Minister Piccini and the Ontario Government for their ongoing and continued support of the skilled trades,” said Pariser. “When government invests in the skilled trades, they are creating a foundation for Ontario and all Ontarians to grow.
“With today’s $2.8 million announcement, more than 3,500 Ontarians will build their future and Ontario’s future.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
