The Ontario government is investing over $13 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training and Capital Streams to help more than 1,000 workers and jobseekers in Sudbury and nearby areas prepare for in-demand jobs in boilermaking, welding, mining, and ironworking. This funding brings Ontario’s total SDF investment in Northern Ontario to nearly $146 million and is part of a $2.5 billion provincial initiative to equip workers with the skills needed for good-paying jobs, while strengthening the province’s competitiveness in the face of U.S. tariffs.
Labour Minister David Piccini emphasized that these investments will help Northern Ontario deliver the critical minerals and energy the global market depends on. He highlighted the government’s commitment to expanding local training opportunities that will build a skilled, made-in-Ontario workforce capable of driving infrastructure projects, securing supply chains, and supporting economic growth across Canada.
The International Brotherhood of Boilermakers Local 128 in Sudbury will receive over $5.7 million to purchase new equipment for its Burlington training centre and build a new facility in Sudbury. This will double its training capacity, enabling more than 660 new apprentices and journeypersons to train for energy and construction sector jobs. Training will include safety certifications and skills for operating telehandlers and elevated work platforms to prepare workers for higher-paying opportunities.
In addition, Agnico Eagle Mines Limited will receive $5 million to provide on-the-job training for critical mining occupations across Northern Ontario. UBC Millwrights Local 1425 will get over $1 million to expand mobile welding training in Sudbury, Timmins, and Sault Ste. Marie. Ironworkers Local 786 will receive $890,587 to upgrade training equipment and expand programs, while Northern Centre for Advanced Technology Inc. (NORCAT) will receive $580,000 to develop and implement virtual reality training modules for mining, construction, and forestry workers.
Since its launch in 2021, the SDF has invested $1.5 billion to train over one million workers in skilled trades and other in-demand sectors. The Ontario government plans to invest an additional $1 billion over the next three years through the SDF, further supporting key industries and helping train even more workers for the jobs of the future.
