Ontario Investing Over $2.8 Million to Protect Workers in Durham Region
August 15, 2025
Skills Development Fund investments will train more than 3,500 workers for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs
Recently, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing more than $2.8 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help people in Durham Region and surrounding areas find good-paying jobs in the construction, manufacturing and skilled trades sectors.
“In the face of President Trump’s tariffs and the economic uncertainty they are causing, our government will always have the backs of Ontario workers,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By investing in training programs in Durham Region, we’re protecting Ontario workers by helping them get the skills they need to land better jobs and bigger paycheques.”
The $2.5 billion SDF protects Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while helping Ontario remain competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. Through the SDF, the Ontario government is partnering with five organizations in the region to deliver free training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:
- Drew Carpentry is receiving $806,426 to upskill and train people for employment as entry level framers in the homebuilding industry.
- D&R Custom Steel Inc. is receiving $613,000 to train new employees in the manufacturing sector through four-week training programs with hands-on experience.
- Substance Cares is receiving $447,500 to provide people with autism training in construction and carpentry, along with job coaching and inclusive job fairs.
- Innovation Cluster — Peterborough and the Kawarthas is receiving $186,240 to equip tradespeople with the skills needed to start and run their own businesses.
- FIRST Robotics Canada is receiving $798,000 to provide upskilling and skilled trades workshops for students and teachers at Durham College and other partner colleges across the province.
“Our government is taking bold action to build the future of Ontario’s workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These investments will help thousands of people in Durham Region and across Ontario gain the skills and experience they need to succeed, while supporting local employers and strengthening our economy.”
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 and good-paying jobs in sectors like the skilled trades. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing an additional $1 billion 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
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- On July 29, the Ontario government launched a new call for project proposals for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF Training Stream website.
- So far, the SDF Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province and aimed to help over 700,000 people.
- 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.
Quotes
“This $2.8 million investment from the Skills Development Fund is a game-changer for workers in Pickering and across Durham region, opening doors to good-paying jobs in skilled trades and manufacturing. By equipping people with the training they need, we are building a stronger workforce, a stronger Ontario and a more resilient economy.”
– Peter Bethlenfalvy
MPP for Pickering—Uxbridge
“By supporting free, hands-on training in the skilled trades and manufacturing sectors, we’re opening new doors for over 3,500 people in Durham Region to access good-paying, meaningful careers. These programs will help local workers build a stronger future for themselves and their families, while also strengthening our regional economy. As we face ongoing global economic challenges, this is exactly the kind of smart, targeted investment that helps keep Ontario competitive and resilient.”
– Lorne Coe
MPP for Whitby
“Under the leadership of Premier Doug Ford and Minister Piccini, our government continues to make the important investments for Ontario’s skilled workers and the employers who support the innovative projects across our province and here in Durham Region. With the current uncertainty brought about by U.S. tariffs, this investment through the Skills Development Fund will help over 3,500 skilled workers across Ontario and boost our local economy in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction and automotive, ensuring Ontario remains the economic engine of Canada.”
– Todd McCarthy
MPP for Durham
“Our government knows that the skilled trades are essential to Ontario’s economy. This investment in the Innovation Cluster’s BuildUP program is a critical step in empowering local tradespeople to take the next step in their careers and become business owners. By providing them with the business skills and training they need, we’re not only helping them succeed but also strengthening our local economy and creating more jobs right here in Peterborough and the Kawarthas.”
– Dave Smith
MPP for Peterborough—Kawartha
“The Skills Development Fund has not only helped us deliver high-quality training but has also strengthened industry connections and created tangible employment opportunities. The enthusiasm from both participants and employers is a strong indication that initiatives like this make a real difference in addressing labour shortages, advancing careers and supporting Ontario’s economic growth. We are grateful for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s continued investment in workforce development and for recognizing the value of collaboration between industry and training providers. The success we have seen so far reinforces our confidence that we will meet — and potentially exceed — our target of upskilling 80 participants in Year One Framing.”
– Tayler Drew, Owner
Owner, Drew Carpentry
“We are proud to partner with the Ontario government through the Skills Development Fund to launch our Steel Trades Training and Development program. This investment will help us strengthen the skilled trades pipeline by providing hands-on training to the next generation of fabricators, welders and trades professionals. As D&R Custom Steel continues to grow to meet increasing customer demand, and with our planned relocation to a new facility in 2027, having a strong, skilled workforce is essential. By equipping people with the skills and experience they need to succeed, we are building both stronger careers and a stronger manufacturing sector here in Ontario.”
– Dan Engelage
President, D&R Custom Steel Inc.
“This investment will enable over 500 autistic job seekers from across Ontario to attend the upcoming Spectrum Works Career Fairs in Ottawa and Toronto. Additionally, it will support the participation of 25 autistic individuals from the Greater Toronto Area in a specialized skilled trades program. Through this initiative, autistic Ontarians will gain enhanced access to meaningful employment opportunities within the skilled trades sector, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable workforce across the province.”
– Neil Forester
Executive Director, Substance Cares
“With this funding, the Innovation Cluster can help skilled trades professionals transition from job site to business ownership. The strong response to the BuildUP program shows many trades professionals are ready to turn their expertise into successful enterprises. This initiative is a turning point for our community and we’re proud to partner with the province to foster economic growth and innovation in Ontario’s trades sector.”
– Nicole Stephenson
Chair of the Board, Innovation Cluster-Peterborough and Kawarthas
“Thanks to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s investment through the Skills Development Fund, FIRST Robotics Canada can bring world-class training in skilled trades and machining to teachers and youth across Ontario. This is about more than skills — it’s about opening doors, igniting passion and showing young people that the skilled trades are not only viable, but exciting and rewarding careers. By equipping educators, we empower them to inspire the next generation of innovators, builders and problem-solvers. We’re proud to stand alongside the ministry in building a stronger future for Ontario’s workforce.”
– Dave Ellis
President, FIRST Robotics Canada
“Tribute Communities is thrilled to support the provincial government’s initiatives towards supporting the skilled trades and promoting the construction industry as an incredible career opportunity for all demographics. Premier Ford and his government have continuously been champions of policies that support the development of strong communities. As community builders that have completed more than 40,000 homes over a 40-year span, Tribute Communities is grateful to have a government partner that is consistently focused on solution-based policies to address challenging times.”
– Stephen Deveaux
Executive Vice President, Tribute Communities
“RESCON applauds Premier Ford, Minister Piccini and the Ontario Government for their ongoing and continued support of the skilled trades. When government invests in the skilled trades, they are creating a foundation for Ontario and all Ontarians to grow. With today’s $2.8 million dollar announcement, more than 3,500 Ontarians will build their future and Ontario’s future.”
– Andrew Pariser
Vice President, RESCON
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