The Ontario government is investing more than $5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support over 2,900 youth, jobseekers, and apprentices in the Northumberland and Peterborough regions. The funding will help participants prepare for in-demand careers in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, aviation, and other skilled trades. This initiative is part of Ontario’s broader $2.5 billion investment in the Skills Development Fund, designed to protect workers by equipping them with the training and tools they need to secure rewarding jobs while maintaining the province’s competitiveness in the face of U.S. tariffs and global economic pressures.
Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini, emphasized that these investments will not only help workers build the skills required for high-quality careers but also strengthen Ontario’s economy. The announcement included a highlight of the Empowerment of Youth in Skilled Trades project by Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO), which is receiving $609,398 to introduce 2,650 students to skilled trades through hands-on training, mentorship, and paid placements for 40 students in high-demand industries.
In addition, three other regional organizations are receiving funding through the SDF to deliver free training programs tailored to youth, apprentices, and underrepresented groups. The Northumberland Builders and Construction Association Inc. is receiving $230,240 to purchase a mobile training trailer for onsite training in construction. Nventure Business Development Corporation is being awarded $562,000 to create Canada’s first Virtual Reality recruitment and retention tool for the manufacturing sector, aimed at preparing 100 participants for industry demands. The OPCMIA Local 598 Training Centre is receiving $3,947,100 to support apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in masonry and cement finishing through restoration projects in Port Hope.
Since its launch in 2021, the Skills Development Fund has invested $1.5 billion through its Training and Capital Streams, helping more than one million workers train for good-paying jobs in in-demand fields. As outlined in Ontario’s 2025 Budget, an additional $1 billion will be invested through the SDF over the next three years, bringing the total investment to $2.5 billion. This funding will ensure continued support for key industrial sectors and expand opportunities for workers across the province.
