Ontario Invests Nearly $8 Million in Northern Workforce Training Projects

Northern Workforce Training Projects Support Skilled Trades and Mining Jobs

SUDBURY, ON — The Ontario government is investing nearly $8 million through the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream and Capital Stream to support workforce development projects across Northern Ontario.

The funding is expected to help more than 7,300 people access training opportunities and prepare for careers in high-demand sectors including mining, construction, environmental monitoring and the skilled trades.

Provincial officials say the investment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to strengthen the workforce needed to support major infrastructure, mining and economic development projects across the province.

“This investment is about building a stronger workforce today, while ensuring Ontario has the talent to deliver the major infrastructure and economic growth projects of tomorrow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Community Builders Project Supports Skilled Trades Careers

One of the largest investments announced is nearly $2 million for Community Builders Construction.

The funding will support 189 individuals facing barriers to employment by providing hands-on training, employment supports and direct connections with employers in the skilled trades sector.

The project is designed to help participants gain industry-recognized skills and work experience while addressing labour shortages in Ontario’s construction industry.

When workers have opportunities, communities succeed.

In Sudbury today, I announced funding for more training programs that will help over 7,300 workers gain the skills, certifications, and hands on experience needed to succeed in rewarding careers.

By connecting more people to… pic.twitter.com/ztFvQrXqij

— David Piccini (@DavidPiccini) June 4, 2026

Indigenous-Led Training Initiatives

Ontario is also investing in Indigenous workforce development through two Northern Ontario projects.

Niiwin Wendaanimok LP will receive $1.95 million to train 100 Indigenous participants from four Treaty #3 communities. The program will include technical construction training connected to Highway 17 projects, as well as financial literacy, leadership development and job-readiness supports.

Wahkohtowin will receive more than $703,000 to provide Indigenous-led environmental monitoring and career development training for 60 participants across Northern Ontario. The program includes mentorship opportunities, employer partnerships and retention supports.

Science North Expanding Training Capacity

Through the Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, Ontario is investing $3.27 million in Science North to establish a new workforce training centre at Dynamic Earth in Sudbury.

The facility is expected to train approximately 7,000 individuals annually in sectors such as mining, construction and related industries, creating capacity for up to 35,000 trainees over five years.

Science North CEO Ashley Larose said the new centre will provide immersive learning opportunities that connect young people with careers in Northern Ontario’s key industries.

Stronger Accountability Measures

The sixth round of the Skills Development Fund also incorporates several enhancements recommended by Ontario’s Auditor General following a 2025 review of the program.

New measures include:

• Tracking employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months after training;
• Increased transparency around the use of lobbyists and consultants;
• Enhanced project screening and risk assessment processes; and
• Additional due diligence reviews of organizations and individuals connected to applications.

According to the province, the improvements are intended to strengthen accountability and improve long-term program outcomes.

Addressing Labour Shortages

Ontario received 930 applications during the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund and plans to support 172 projects provincewide, helping train more than 131,000 people.

The province says the investments are intended to address workforce shortages in sectors critical to Ontario’s economic future, including construction, manufacturing, mining, health care and energy.

Since the Skills Development Fund was launched, Ontario reports that more than 100,000 participants have secured employment within 60 days of completing their training programs, while hundreds of thousands of workers have received skills upgrading opportunities.

Provincial officials say the latest investments will help Northern Ontario communities build the workforce needed to support future economic growth, infrastructure expansion and major resource development projects.

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