July 24, 2024 – The Ontario government is spending up to an additional $260 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to tackle the province’s labour shortage.

This will be the largest round of funding since the SDF Training Stream was launched in 2021, says the Premier’s Office, bringing Ontario’s total spending through the SDF to $1.4 billion.

“We’re grateful and proud of SDF support for our Construction Bootcamp, which addresses the skills gap and creates a pathway to a well-paid career in the trades, particularly for youth and underrepresented groups,” said Ian DeWaard, Ontario director, Christian Labour Association of Canada.

Ontario will open the fifth round of SDF Training Stream on July 29 to address challenges for recruiting, training and upskilling workers for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, construction and technology.

“The Skills Development Fund has been a game changer for the construction industry,” said Karen Renkema, Ontario vice-president, Progressive Contractors Association of Canada. “The funds have enabled innovative training partnerships, pathways and programs that have served to attract and support many new participants into the skilled trades.”

Organizations eligible for funding include employers, employment service, training providers, labour unions, community organizations, business and industry organizations, municipalities, hospitals, Indigenous Band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders, and service system managers.

INTERESTED? Organizations can apply through Transfer Payment Ontario and send enquiries to skillsdevelopmentfund@ontario.ca.