BACKGROUND
On July 29, 2024, the Ontario Government announced the fifth and largest round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, with up to $260 million available. The SDF funds training initiatives to address labour shortages, stimulate growth, and support diverse groups in Ontario, requiring organizations to meet criteria set by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
This round will prioritize projects that propose innovative training solutions in in-demand sectors, such as manufacturing, construction, and technology. With this new funding, Ontario aims to connect job seekers with employers in critical sectors, continuing the SDF’s success in training nearly 600,000 workers, including over 66,000 construction workers, over 92,000 manufacturing workers, and over 36,000 personal support and healthcare workers, to ensure Ontario remains competitive and economically robust.
POLITICAL CONTEXT
This announcement highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to economic growth and workforce development. Addressing the skilled trades gap is a strategic win, providing immediate solutions and long-term economic stability by focusing on key sectors like manufacturing, construction, and technology. The $260 million funding will support innovative training programs and partnerships, driving Ontario’s economic engine forward.
Premier Doug Ford and Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini emphasized the importance of skilled labor in reviving Ontario’s manufacturing and construction sectors. Piccini stated, “Our government launches the fifth round of our Skills Development Fund, with up to $260 million available in funding – making this the largest round yet and the biggest investment in skills training in Ontario’s history.” This proactive stance is crucial for maintaining public support and showcasing the government’s commitment to tangible economic improvements.
Since being re-elected in 2022, the Ford Government has worked to continue to build bridges with private-sector unions under the pillar of “working for workers.” This latest round of SDF funding was celebrated by many labour leaders as the government aims to continue broadening its political coalition.
STAKEHOLDER AND EXPERT OPINIONS
“The Skills Development Fund continues to pave the way forward by investing and advancing opportunities in skilled trades while removing barriers, strengthening retention and empowering growth through collaboration. With support of the Skills Development Fund, including capitol grant funding for our training centres, LiUNA actively promotes opportunities through strong partnership for a safe, skilled and diverse workforce which has seen a significant uptake in apprenticeship registrations including women in trades, indigenous partnerships and youth at risk. We look forward to continue working with Minister Piccini and the Ford Government to build a pathway forward for Ontario’s current and future skilled workforce.”
- Joseph Mancinelli, Canadian Director & International Vice President of LiUNA
“The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is a proud recipient of Skills Development Funding that has allowed us to grow and expand programs to attract more Ontarians to consider a career in the skilled trades including more women and diverse youth through Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen and Tomorrow’s Trades.”
- Marc Arsenault, Business Manager of the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario
“We applaud the government for making this investment in the Skills Development Fund. As a non-profit organization serving thousands of job seekers annually, we see firsthand the transformative impact of SDF on the lives of Ontarians. We see people from diverse backgrounds learning about, entering and thriving in high demand sectors, and we see employers thrilled to have a new pipeline of trained candidates for their vacant positions.”
- Kristin Morrison, CEO, The Career Foundation
NEXT STEPS
The application window for the SDF Training Stream is open until October 4, 2024, with the government encouraging eligible organizations to submit proposals through Transfer Payment Ontario. Inquiries can be sent to: [email protected].
If you need support applying for the SDF or other related government funding initiatives, book a consult with our team today!