KAWARTHA LAKES-The Ontario government says it is investing more than $5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help more than 2,900 youth, jobseekers and apprentices across Northumberland and Peterborough areas prepare for in-demand careers in construction, manufacturing, aviation and other skilled trades sectors. This is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment in the SDF to protect Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to land in-demand jobs, while keeping Ontario competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and policies.
“Our government is investing in local training projects that protect Ontario workers by giving them the skills they need to land rewarding, well-paying jobs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “These projects will help workers explore and train for rewarding careers, while strengthening our economy as we face global economic challenges.”
Minister Piccini was joined by Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA NEO), which is receiving a $609,398 investment through the SDF Training Stream to deliver the Empowerment of Youth in Skilled Trades project. The initiative will promote careers in the skilled trades to 2,650 students through hands-on training, mentorship and paid placements for 40 students in high-demand sectors such as construction, manufacturing, motive power and aviation.
Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with three other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs that support youth, apprentices and underrepresented groups, including:
- Northumberland Builders and Construction Association Inc. (NBACA) is receiving $230,240 to support 100 participants with onsite training through the purchase of a mobile training trailer. The trailer will be used to deliver compliance training and general construction training.
- Nventure Business Development Corporation is receiving $562,000 to improve career suitability for 100 participants by developing Canada’s first Virtual Reality (VR) recruitment and retention tool for the manufacturing sector. This project is designed to better prepare them for the demands of the job.
- OPCMIA Local 598 Training Centre is receiving $3,947,100 for their Restoring Ontario and Restoring Port Hope projects to support 60 apprentices in the Brick and Stone Mason and Cement Finisher trades, and train 36 pre-apprentices in the Restoration Mason trade to help complete a restoration project in downtown Port Hope.
