Ontario Invests $23M to Train 4,200 Workers in Mississauga

Skills Development Fund targets construction, health care, aerospace and more amid U.S. tariff pressures

MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is investing more than $23 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help over 4,200 workers in Mississauga and surrounding areas gain the skills needed for in-demand jobs across key sectors, including construction, health care, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace, and skilled trades.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre in Mississauga, which will receive $1.1 million to train workers in brick, stone, and masonry trades through hands-on learning programs.

“With President Trump’s tariffs taking direct aim at our economy and workers, we are investing record amounts to protect Ontario workers and keep them on the job,” Ford said. “The investments we are announcing today will help workers get the skills and training they need to succeed and support economic growth here in Mississauga and across the province.”

Today in Mississauga at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre, Premier @fordnation and I, joined by our Mississauga caucus team, announced over $23 million through the Skills Development Fund to help train over 4,200 workers and jobseekers for good-paying, in-demand jobs.

From… pic.twitter.com/YLaRgvjSTg

— David Piccini (@DavidPiccini) August 27, 2025

Supporting Mississauga’s Workforce

The funding is part of Ontario’s $2.5 billion investment in the SDF, which provides workers with the tools and training to secure good-paying jobs while helping Ontario remain competitive under ongoing U.S. trade challenges.

Labour Minister David Piccini emphasized the program’s accessibility.

“Whether you are a young person entering the trades or a health-care worker upgrading your skills, these programs are designed to meet you where you are, bridge your skills gaps and help you succeed,” Piccini said.

Training Across Sectors

In addition to masonry, the province is funding 13 other organizations in Mississauga and surrounding regions:

• Achēv – $677,863 for senior care training for women and newcomers; $509,772 for the EY-FiT youth trades project.

• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Association of Ontario – $2.5M to upskill 177 participants and engage 1,500 youth in aerospace.

• Bothwell-Accurate Inc. – $2.5M to upskill 235 workers in construction safety and management.

• Canadian Association of Women in Construction – $460,000 to train 100 women in construction.

• Canadian Flatbeds Ltd. – $600,000 to train 150 truck drivers in safety and cargo handling.

• Closing the Gap Healthcare Group – $2.4M for 125 participants to train in home and community care roles, with guaranteed employment.

• Concrete Ontario – $149,800 to develop standardized training for concrete delivery professionals.

• NETCO – $2.9M to train 550 electrical apprentices and journeypersons using VR and modern tools.

• Ontario Electrical Industry Training Trust Fund – $2.65M to train 95 in network cabling trades.

• Ontario Harness Horse Association – $2.37M to train 160 participants in equine industry careers.

• Ontario Road Builders’ Association – $1.83M for 200 workers in road construction and infrastructure, including job placements.

• Pinball Clemons Foundation – $1.62M to support 200 youth with mentorship, training, and job placements.

• Sovereign Construction Management Limited – $750,000 to train 500 participants in construction, civil engineering, and transport.

Long-Term Impact

Since its launch in 2021, the SDF has invested $1.5 billion to train over one million workers across Ontario. The 2025 Ontario Budget adds nearly $1 billion more over three years, bringing the total investment to $2.5 billion.

The government says this training will not only protect jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs but also strengthen Ontario’s economic resilience and workforce competitiveness.

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