Skills Development Fund to train more than 3,500 workers in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades
PICKERING — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to equip over 3,500 people in Durham Region and surrounding areas with the skills needed for well-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and skilled trades.
Premier Doug Ford announced the funding on Thursday, positioning it as a strategic response to U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration and the economic uncertainty they are creating.
“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 Ford. “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 SDF is a $2.5-billion initiative designed to prepare Ontario workers for in-demand roles, while ensuring the province remains competitive in shifting economic conditions. Under this latest investment, the province is partnering with five organizations to deliver free training programs in industries most affected by U.S. trade actions:
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Drew Carpentry – $806,426 to upskill and train entry-level framers for the homebuilding industry.
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D&R Custom Steel Inc. – $613,000 for four-week manufacturing training programs with hands-on experience.
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Substance Cares – $447,500 to provide construction and carpentry training for people with autism, along with job coaching and inclusive job fairs.
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Innovation Cluster — Peterborough and the Kawarthas – $186,240 to help tradespeople gain business skills to start and run their own companies.
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FIRST Robotics Canada – $798,000 for upskilling workshops for students and teachers at Durham College and other institutions.
Labour Minister David Piccini emphasized the long-term vision behind the funding.
“Our government is taking bold action to build the future of Ontario’s workforce,” Piccini said. “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.”
Since launching in 2021, the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream have trained more than one million workers for careers in high-demand sectors such as skilled trades. The province plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the program over the next three years, bringing the total commitment to $2.5 billion.
Local MPPs welcomed the announcement as both a workforce and economic boost.
“This $2.8 million investment from the Skills Development Fund is a game-changer for workers in Pickering and across Durham region, opening doors to good-paying jobs in skilled trades and manufacturing,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge.
“By supporting free, hands-on training… we’re opening new doors for over 3,500 people in Durham Region to access good-paying, meaningful careers,” added Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby.
Todd McCarthy, MPP for Durham, said the funding will “boost our local economy in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction and automotive, ensuring Ontario remains the economic engine of Canada.”
Industry and community leaders also voiced their support.
“The enthusiasm from both participants and employers is a strong indication that initiatives like this make a real difference,” said Tayler Drew, Owner of Drew Carpentry.
Dan Engelage, President of D&R Custom Steel Inc., called the funding “essential” to building a strong, skilled manufacturing workforce ahead of the company’s planned 2027 expansion.
Neil Forester, Executive Director of Substance Cares, noted the impact on inclusion: “This investment will enable over 500 autistic job seekers… to attend the upcoming Spectrum Works Career Fairs.”
Nicole Stephenson, Chair of the Board at Innovation Cluster, described the program as “a turning point for our community,” while Dave Ellis, President of FIRST Robotics Canada, said it would “ignite passion” for skilled trades among Ontario youth.
The construction industry also endorsed the move.
“Premier Ford and his government have continuously been champions of policies that support the development of strong communities,” said Stephen Deveaux, Executive Vice President at Tribute Communities.
Andrew Pariser, Vice President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario (RESCON), praised the investment: “When government invests in the skilled trades, they are creating a foundation for Ontario and all Ontarians to grow.”
Quick Facts:
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People interested in these programs should contact the lead organizations directly.
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A new $260 million SDF Training Stream call for proposals launched July 29.
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The SDF has supported over 1,000 training projects across Ontario.
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The first five rounds of SDF funding were jointly supported by the federal and provincial governments, while Round 6 is fully funded by Ontario.
With global economic challenges and trade tensions ongoing, the Ontario government says it is doubling down on skills training to keep the province’s workforce resilient, competitive, and ready for the jobs of tomorrow.
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