Ontario Invests $27 Million to Train Skilled Carpenters Across the Province

CONCORD — The Ontario government has announced a $27 million investment to expand training programs and build new facilities to train an additional 2,600 carpenters and construction workers. The funding, allocated through two streams of the Skills Development Fund (SDF), aims to address the growing demand for skilled trades workers across Ontario.

Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of the investment amidst ongoing challenges for Ontario workers. “In the face of tariff threats to Ontario workers and jobs, it’s more important than ever that we keep investing in our workers,” said Ford. “This investment will help more than 2,600 workers find rewarding careers in the skilled trades, so they can secure better jobs and bigger paycheques in communities across Ontario.”

New and Expanded Training Facilities

The funding includes up to $13 million through the SDF Capital Stream to support the following projects:

• Sudbury: UBCJA Local 2486 will receive $3.2 million for the construction of a new training facility. This centre will provide opportunities for people from Northern and Indigenous communities to enter the trades.
• Windsor: UBCJA Local 494 will use $1.8 million to build a two-story addition, creating new training and office spaces.
• London: UBCJA Local 1946 will receive $1.18 million to add a 5,300 sq. ft. expansion for carpentry and drywalling programs.
• Cambridge: UBCJA Local 785 will invest $3.49 million in a facility expansion, adding classrooms, training space, a meeting hall, and amenities like an exercise room.
• Ottawa: UBCJA Local 93 will expand its existing facility with $3.2 million in funding.

These initiatives are expected to train an additional 1,175 carpenters across the province.

Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re investing to protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. tariff threats.

It was great to join workers and municipal leaders in Vaughan yesterday to announce $27 million in funding to train thousands of carpenters and construction… pic.twitter.com/AfWmoNNSIh

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 25, 2025

Expanding Workforce Development

Ontario is also committing up to $14 million through the SDF Training Stream to expand the Carpenters’ Regional Council Workforce Development Program. This program will broaden its focus to include other industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, and train up to 1,450 carpenters. By partnering with employers, unions, and community organizations, the initiative seeks to address barriers to education and employment, empowering underrepresented groups to build successful careers in the skilled trades.

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development David Piccini highlighted the broader impact of these investments. “By investing in carpenter training, we are helping to train the next generation of workers – including women and young people – to build Ontario’s bright future,” said Piccini.

Meeting Ontario’s Growing Demand

Ontario anticipates needing over 500,000 skilled workers over the next decade to fill roles in construction and other trade-related sectors. The SDF, launched in 2021, has already supported the development of training programs and facilities that will impact over one million workers.

As Ontario continues to grow, the government’s total $1.4 billion SDF investment will play a crucial role in preparing the workforce for in-demand careers.

For more information on these programs and funding initiatives, visit the Ontario government’s official website.

SOURCE Province of Ontario