Ontario Invests $2.8M in Durham Region Training to Boost Skilled Trades Workforce

PICKERING — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help residents in Durham Region and surrounding areas secure good-paying jobs in construction, manufacturing, and other skilled trades.

Premier Doug Ford announced the funding on Thursday, emphasizing its importance amid U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.

“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,” Ford said. “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 investment will support five organizations in delivering free training programs for sectors impacted by U.S. trade policies:

We’re helping more than 3,500 workers in Durham Region train for good-paying, in-demand jobs through our provincial Skills Development Fund.

Find more details here about how we’re protecting Ontario workers from tariffs and economic uncertainty: https://t.co/PlMSeIFuGL pic.twitter.com/Hz5JU7VzzL

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) August 14, 2025

• Drew Carpentry – $806,426 to train entry-level framers in the homebuilding industry.

• D&R Custom Steel Inc. – $613,000 for manufacturing sector training with hands-on, four-week programs.

• Substance Cares – $447,500 to provide individuals with autism construction and carpentry training, plus job coaching and inclusive job fairs.

• Innovation Cluster — Peterborough and the Kawarthas – $186,240 to equip tradespeople with entrepreneurial skills to start and run their own businesses.

• FIRST Robotics Canada – $798,000 for skilled trades workshops for students and teachers at Durham College and other partner colleges.

Labour Minister David Piccini said the funding is part of a long-term strategy to strengthen Ontario’s workforce.

“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,” Piccini said.

Since launching in 2021, the Skills Development Fund has invested $1.5 billion to train over one million workers across the province. As outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget, the government will invest another $1 billion over three years, bringing the total SDF investment to $2.5 billion.

Local MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy said the funding will help build “a stronger workforce, a stronger Ontario and a more resilient economy.”

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