Ontario Investing $64 Million to Train 12,000 New Skilled Trades Apprentices
Province expands in-class apprenticeship training through the In-Class Enhancement Fund
WINDSOR – The Ontario government is investing more than $64 million over the next three years to train up to 12,000 new apprentices across the province through the In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF) — a key step in strengthening Ontario’s skilled trades workforce and preparing for future infrastructure growth.
Announced by David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the investment will expand in-class apprenticeship training and eliminate barriers that delay program completion.
“We need to keep building, no matter what global challenges come our way, to deliver on our $200 billion plan to build more infrastructure like highways, hospitals and schools,” said Piccini. “By expanding access to in-class training and removing barriers, we’re helping more apprentices gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs, while protecting them in the face of U.S. tariffs.”
The program will create up to 4,000 new training seats each year, allowing apprentices to access classes faster and covering their $10-per-day Level 1 classroom fees.
The Skills Development Fund (SDF) isn’t measured by what’s on paper — it’s measured by the programs it supports and the lives it transforms. Boots on the ground. Hands-on training. Real people connected, inspired and building Ontario.
The SDF has strengthened generations of work… pic.twitter.com/p4LguT9OvA
— Victoria Mancinelli (@vcmancinelli) October 15, 2025
Investing in Ontario’s future workforce
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security Nolan Quinn highlighted that this investment will ensure the province’s workforce continues to meet the growing demand for skilled labour in construction and infrastructure.
“Whether it’s schools, highways, or hospitals, our skilled trades workers are building the infrastructure that strengthens our communities,” Quinn said. “This investment ensures apprentices get the education and training they need for rewarding, good-paying jobs that will build the Ontario of tomorrow.”
The In-Class Enhancement Fund is part of a larger $159.3 million provincial strategy to enhance skilled trades programs, ensuring apprentices can complete training on time and enter the workforce sooner.
Industry voices welcome support
Industry leaders have praised the announcement, emphasizing the importance of timely, accessible training.
“Expanding in-class training capacity means more apprentices can start and finish their programs on time, with fewer financial and logistical barriers,” said Marc Arsenault, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. “It’s a smart, practical step that ensures major infrastructure projects are built by a well-trained, local workforce.”
Supporting Ontario’s skilled trades growth
Since 2020, Ontario has invested over $2.1 billion in the skilled trades, including funding through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream and the Apprentice Development Benefit program.
The province has seen a 7.3% increase in apprenticeship registrations, reaching 28,875 in 2024–2025 — the highest in a decade. Among youth aged 15 to 24, registrations grew by more than 13.5%, signaling strong interest in trades careers.
The province’s Level Up! career fairs also continue to engage thousands of students across Ontario, showcasing hands-on opportunities in skilled trades.
With nearly one in eight job openings in Ontario projected to be in trades-related fields by 2029, the government’s investment in training ensures Ontario remains competitive and ready for the future.
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