Ontario Investing $999,780 to Train Youth, Women, and Minority Groups in Vaughan
November 18, 2024
Skills Development Fund investing in new training program (SDF training)
NEWS- November 13, 2024
THORNHILL— The Ontario government is investing $999,780 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) in a new training program to train women, youth, and minority groups including those affected by COVID-19 in Vaughan for in-demand careers in various sectors. This latest round of funding brings Ontario’s total investment through the Skills Development Fund to up to $1.4 billion.
“Under Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build Ontario: from new housing that families can call home, to highways and public transit connecting our communities, and clean energy projects powering our economy. But after years of neglect and under-investment in the trades from previous Liberal governments, one in three tradespeople are nearing retirement, “said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why we’re partnering with local employers, unions, and educators to pass on the expertise and wisdom of the Golden Generation of Skilled Tradespeople to the next generation of students, apprentices, and workers who will build Ontario’s bright future.”
In partnership with UpSkill Trainers Inc., the Ontario government is investing $999,780 to support women, youth, and minority groups, including those impacted by COVID-19, toward advancement and/or employment.
“This grant will play a crucial role in helping women, youth, and minority groups access meaningful employment opportunities. By working together, we are fostering growth and developing a skilled workforce that will strengthen our local economy and benefit both workers and businesses,” said Laura Smith, Member of Provincial Parliament for Thornhill. “Ontario is proud to invest in expanding access to job opportunities through new training programs.”
Through the SDF, the government is investing up to $1.4 billion through SDF’s Training Stream and the Capital Stream which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades.
“Ontario’s Skills Development Fund plays a pivotal role in fostering skill development, building a resilient workforce capable of thriving in any economic environment. Under the leadership of Premier Ford and his team of MPPs, Ontario’s economic landscape for workers has been revitalized, supporting not only provincial sectors but also those beyond Ontario’s borders,” said Jagdeep Singh, Director, UpSkill Trainers Inc. “With stable employment, individuals can achieve work-life balance, enjoy family vacations, and visit relatives across Canada. The province excels in tracking key metrics to ensure funds are allocated strictly according to the fund’s objectives, maintaining accountability and value for Ontario taxpayers. SDF participants who have trained with UpSkill Trainers have seen uncertainty removed from their work lives.”
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect approximately 600,000 workers train or upskill for careers in the trades in their local communities, including over 92,000 manufacturing workers, over 66,000 construction workers, over 36,000 PSWs and healthcare workers, and over 27,000 mining, quarrying, oil and gas extraction workers.
Quick Facts
· Ontario’s $224 million SDF Capital Stream was launched by Premier Ford in June 2023.
· People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
· The Capital Stream of the Skills Development Fund is exclusively funded by the Government of Ontario.
· The Training Stream of the Skills Development Fund is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
· As the Government of Canada has unilaterally cut over $230 million annually from Ontario’s Labour Market Transfer Agreements, which support employment and settlement service programs, Ontario continues to call for the federal government to reinstate this critical funding for Ontario workers and jobseekers.
Additional Resources
MEDIA CONTACTS
Office of MPP Laura Smith
Laura.smith@pc.ola.org
(905) 731-1178