Toronto, ON — The Ontario government is investing $224 million to build and upgrade training centres. According to the government, the initiative is supposed to help tackle the province’s labour shortage and get more people into careers in the skilled trades.
The Skilled Development Fund (SDF) capital stream will create opportunities for unions and training providers to improve and expand their facilities.
“As we build Ontario, we’re providing more women and men with opportunities to begin or advance their careers in the skilled trades,” said Doug Ford, premier of Ontario.
Applications for the new SDF capital stream are expected to open in late spring and will provide eligible applicants, including unions, Indigenous centres, businesses and industry associations, with funding to build new training centres or upgrades.
Since 2020, the government has invested close to $700 million in the SDF to support innovative training projects. So far, 388 projects have received funding.