Ontario Announces Over $2.8 Million for Training Programs in Durham Region
Premier Doug Ford announced on August 14 that the Ontario government is providing more than $2.8 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream for worker training programs in Durham Region and nearby areas. According to the province, this funding is intended to help over 3,500 people gain skills for jobs in construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades.
The province states this investment responds to economic challenges linked to U.S. tariffs and aims to address related workforce needs in sectors that have been affected. This funding will be distributed among five organizations in the Durham Region to run various training programs.
Drew Carpentry will receive $806,426 to train entry-level framers for homebuilding. D&R Custom Steel Inc. will receive $613,000 to deliver four-week training programs for new employees in manufacturing. Substance Cares is allocated $447,500 for construction and carpentry training programs for people with autism, including job coaching and inclusive job fairs. The Innovation Cluster — Peterborough and the Kawarthas will receive $186,240 to support tradespeople in learning how to start and operate their own businesses. FIRST Robotics Canada is receiving $798,000 for skilled trades workshops for students and teachers, including sessions at Durham College and other partner colleges.
The Ontario government reports that since the SDF launched in 2021, $1.5 billion has been invested through its Training Stream and Capital Stream to train workers in various sectors. According to the province, the 2025 Budget allocates an additional $1 billion over the next three years, raising the total SDF investment to $2.5 billion. The province reports that the SDF Training Stream has supported more than 1,000 training projects and aimed to assist over 700,000 people throughout Ontario.
According to the province, a new call for project proposals for the SDF Training Stream, totaling $260 million, was announced on July 29. Funding for rounds 1 to 5 of the SDF Training Stream was supported through labour market transfer agreements between the federal and Ontario governments, while round 6 is funded solely by Ontario.