Ontario Invests $8.6 Million to Support Women Entering Skilled Trades

Skills Development Fund helps train more than 1,700 women in the GTA for high-demand jobs through new partnerships and programs

TORONTO — The Ontario government is investing more than $8.6 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) to train over 1,700 women across the Greater Toronto Area for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.

The investment is part of Ontario’s broader $2.5 billion Skills Development Fund, designed to protect workers, close the skills gap, and strengthen the province’s economic competitiveness — particularly as the province faces the impact of ongoing U.S. tariffs.

“Ontario’s economy depends on the skill and determination of its workers, and we’re making sure women have every opportunity to be part of that success,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By investing over $8 million through the Skills Development Fund, we’re opening doors to good-paying careers in the skilled trades, breaking down barriers and helping more women gain the confidence, training and in-demand skills they need to build Ontario’s future.”

The announcement was made at IBEW 353 in North York, which is receiving $2.3 million to expand the Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices. The program provides practical skills training, mentorship, and job placements to help participants transition directly into trade careers.

Expanding opportunities across the GTA

In addition to IBEW 353, five GTA organizations are receiving provincial funding to deliver specialized programs that make skilled trades more accessible to women:

• Enercare Home Services ($186,170) – Hosting eight hands-on bootcamps for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12 across York Region, introducing them to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.

• Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto ($2.5 million) – Offering job readiness programs for racialized immigrant and refugee women, including project management and digital literacy training.

• Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario ($756,252) – Providing courses in financial literacy, construction writing, and career development through 40-week blended training sessions.

• Brands for Canada ($491,000) – Delivering mentorship and job placement programs for young women in manufacturing-related skilled trades.

• The Career Foundation – A Women’s Work ($2.4 million) – Training 260 women in tiling, drywall, painting, framing, and roofing, with wraparound mentorship and gender-inclusive supports.

These initiatives reflect Ontario’s strategy to increase participation in the trades, especially among women, youth, and underrepresented communities.

Investing in Ontario’s future workforce

Since 2021, the Skills Development Fund has trained over one million workers through its Training and Capital Streams. As outlined in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the province will invest an additional $1 billion over the next three years to continue expanding access to high-demand training and apprenticeships.

“Ontario’s skilled trades sector is essential to building our hospitals, schools, and housing,” said Piccini. “By supporting women, we’re not just filling labour gaps — we’re shaping a stronger, more inclusive workforce that reflects our province.”

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