Ontario Investing Over $12.9 Million to Protect Workers in Waterloo Region
September 12, 2025
Latest investment will train more than 50,000 people for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs
Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $12.9 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help over 50,000 people in Waterloo Region prepare for good-paying jobs in high-demand sectors, including construction, manufacturing, skilled trades, education and health innovation. This investment is part of the province’s historic investments in the SDF, which was recently increased to $2.5 billion to support workers facing economic uncertainty as a result of U.S. tariffs.
“The investments we are announcing today will help more than 50,000 workers and students in Waterloo Region get the skills and training they need to remain on the job, no matter what comes our way from President Trump’s tariffs,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By making sure people have the tools and training to succeed, we’re protecting paycheques, supporting local employers and building a stronger, more competitive Ontario economy.”
Premier Ford made the announcement at the AirBoss Rubber Solutions manufacturing facility in Kitchener, which is receiving $829,000 to upskill workers with training in forklift operation and other key skills.
“Our government is taking strong, decisive action to build and protect the future of Ontario’s workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We continue to face global economic challenges and these investments will help tens of thousands of people gain the in-demand skills and experience they need to succeed, while supporting local employers and strengthening our economy for years to come.”
Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with nine other organizations in Waterloo Region and surrounding areas to deliver training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies. People interested in participating in the programs announced September 2, 2025, are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly:
- Canadian Tooling & Machining Association is receiving $2,250,000 to deliver experiential work placements in the precision metalworking industry, including youth from underrepresented groups.
- Blue Branch is receiving $1,660,000 to train youth and newcomers in modular housing construction through a six-week program in Cambridge.
- Medical Innovation Xchange (MIX) is receiving $1,500,000 to upskill participants in the life science and innovation sectors through hands-on training, mentorship and lab experience in partnership with the University of Waterloo.
- Grand Valley Construction Association is receiving $1,492,900 to provide participants in Waterloo, Brant and Wellington with safety training and professional development followed by job placements.
- Knowledgehook is receiving $1,478,300 to improve math skills for students and educators from kindergarten to Grade 12, helping build a future-ready workforce.
- Delta Elevator Company Ltd. is receiving $1,158,500 to enhance the Elevating Devices Mechanic Apprenticeship with advanced electrical training for apprentices.
- Advance Millwrights Inc. is receiving $1,000,000 to help staff achieve Canadian Welding Bureau and Technical Standards and Safety Authority certifications through instruction and hands-on training.
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 804 is receiving $832,000 to support new apprentices through classroom instruction, certifications and mentored job placements in the Waterloo area.
- Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) is receiving $723,600 to expand its Group Sponsorship Grant program, helping new apprentices and employers across nine skilled trades.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $1 billion more through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support key industrial sectors and help train even more workers.
Quick Facts
- On July 29, the Ontario government launched a new call for project proposals for the SDF Training Stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF Training Stream website and have until October 1st to apply.
- The SDF Training Stream rounds 1 to 5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training Round 6 is supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
- On August 20, the Ontario government announced a $70-million investment to support the Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and enhance Better Jobs Ontario (BJO). These changes will help train and upskill jobseekers and workers affected by U.S. tariffs, so that they can secure better jobs with bigger paycheques.
Quotes
“Our government is stepping up to protect and strengthen our local economy by equipping more than 50,000 individuals with the skills they need for good-paying, in-demand jobs. From manufacturing to education, skilled trades to life sciences, this funding will help ensure Waterloo Region continues to be a hub of opportunity, growth and innovation.”
– Mike Harris
MPP for Kitchener—Conestoga
“This government’s latest local investment via the Skills Development Fund is crucial for preparing smart, hardworking Ontarians for in-demand careers. Our region is a centre of manufacturing and trades excellence and I’m thrilled to stand with our government to recognize and support the incredible talent we have here.”
– Jess Dixon
MPP Kitchener South—Hespeler
“This investment is a game-changer for the people of Waterloo Region, helping thousands gain the skills they need to thrive in high-demand careers. By supporting local employers and workers alike, we’re building a stronger, more resilient economy across our communities.”
– Brian Riddell
MPP for Cambridge
“This new investment in the Region’s Grand Valley Construction Association Pathways to Employment Program will make a real difference in the lives of program participants, setting them up for successful transitions to the workforce. With support from our provincial partners, the Region’s Community Services Employment Team is moving people toward financial stability, which will lead to real, lasting change. I’m thrilled to see support from the Skills Development Fund for many different programs across our community, which will help us grow a strong, inclusive economy in Waterloo Region.”
– Karen Redman
Regional Chair, Region of Waterloo
“Kitchener welcomes the Province of Ontario’s ongoing investments in training for high-demand sectors in our community. Our Trade and Tariff Task Force work has emphasized the need to strengthen our local workforce and ensure that Kitchener remains a hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation. With global economic pressures and the threat of U.S. tariffs, these investments in skills development are more crucial than ever to protect our economy and support local businesses.”
– Berry Vrbanovic
Mayor of Kitchener
“AirBoss Rubber Solutions greatly appreciates being recognized by Ontario’s Skills Development Fund. This investment affirms our shared commitment to building a resilient and inclusive workforce. This support will enhance our capacity to attract, retain and develop talent, helping to safeguard the long-term strength of our manufacturing operations. By expanding training programs, we aim to provide our employees with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving environment while contributing to the continued advancement of Ontario’s manufacturing sector. We thank the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development for recognizing the value of our workforce and for helping us strengthen the innovation economy at our home here in Kitchener.”
– Chris Bitsakakis
President and Co-CEO, AirBoss of America Corp.
“Support received from the Skills Development Fund has been instrumental in the development of our Career-Ready with CTMA: Expanding Opportunities program. The funding we received this year was used to provide funding for companies to compensate their cost of in-house training, allowing them to hire more new apprentices, co-op students and jobseekers and upskill existing employees. Since the program’s inception we will have started over 1,600 experiential work placements, helping start careers within the precision metalworking industry. We also used this funding to purchase new high tech, CNC machines for an additional 20 schools throughout Ontario, which raises our total to over 150 high schools receiving new equipment, measuring tools and consumables to continue our teacher training initiative. All this would not have been possible without the support from the Skills Development Fund.”
– Robert Cattle
Executive Director, Canadian Tooling and Machining Association
“Blue Branch is grateful for the Government of Ontario’s continued support through the Skills Development Fund. With this investment, 50 students in Cambridge will gain both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in the skilled trades as they help build new affordable housing in the community. Along the way they will earn key certifications such as Working at Heights and First Aid, gain exposure to welding, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and more. By turning a construction site into a living training ground we are equipping the next generation with in-demand skills that lead to good careers, while building Ontario’s skilled workforce for the future.”
– Todd Clyde
CEO, Blue Branch
“MIX is proud to partner with the Government of Ontario to deliver this Skills Development Fund project. Through the MedTech Centre of Excellence 4.0 project, we are equipping more than 300 health innovation professionals across 19 member companies with advanced skills, training and opportunities for knowledge sharing. This investment strengthens Ontario’s position as a global leader in health innovation by building local talent and expertise.”
– Elliot Fung
Executive Director, MIX
“The Grand Valley Construction Association’s Path to Employment Program continues to thrive because of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s contribution and commitment to the Skills Development Fund. Our objective to identify individuals looking for careers in the skilled trades, training them with certifications and basic skills then matching them with employers looking for general labourers has shown significant positive results. It has reduced the unknown variables of hiring employees by having trained and motivated employees to fill roles. It has also increased the participants’ basic skills creating better matching with employers. Most of the participants have been offered full-time employment. Thank you to the ministry for their commitment to preparing the workforce for the future needs of our industry.”
– Jeff MacIntyre
President, Grand Valley Construction Association
“Skilled trades are vital to Ontario’s growth and prosperity. At Tri-Mach Group, we’re proud to power Advance Millwrights and to partner with the Government of Ontario through the Skills Development Fund. This investment provides our team with the certifications and training they need to strengthen their careers, close industry gaps and enhance job readiness with high-demand welding skills. Initiatives like this are critical to building a strong, capable and competitive trades sector. We’re grateful for the ministry’s support in helping us prepare and strengthen the next generation of skilled trades talent, ensuring Ontario’s industries continue to thrive.”
– Krystal Darling
Chief Executive Officer, Tri-Mach Group
“Funding from the Skills Development Fund has a direct and measurable impact on our newest apprentices. Through this support, IBEW 804 is able to provide not just classroom training, but real hands-on training that leads directly to meaningful, long-term careers — not just the promise of one. Graduates of our JRT Program are matched with contractors from day one, applying their foundational skills along with their health and safety knowledge while working towards their 309A Red Seal Certification. With competitive wages, pensions and benefits this program is more than a pathway, it’s a direct route into a secure future. The benefits of this type of investment have and will continue to strengthen our workforce and communities for years to come.”
– Peter Caesar
Business Representative, IBEW 804
“Ontario’s growth depends on a strong, skilled workforce. With support from the Skills Development Fund, CLAC’s group sponsor program strengthens the apprenticeship education pathway by providing apprentices with the guidance they need for success, while also cutting red tape so employers can focus on training and building the next generation of tradespeople.”
– Colin deRaaf
Director of Training, Apprenticeship and Jobs, Central Canada, CLAC
Related Story
Ontario Investing Over $23 Million to Protect Workers in Mississauga
The Premier Doug Ford has announced that the Ontario government is investing over $23 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help more than 4,200 people in Mississauga and surrounding areas prepare for good-paying jobs in high-demand sectors including construction, health care, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace and the skilled trades.
