Ontario Supporting Workers Get Training and Land Jobs in Central Ontario

September 16, 2025

Government investing $821,279 to help775 participants across Ampere Association, who work with regional employers and industry groups across Central Ontario

LINDSAY — The Ontario government is investing $821,279 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support 775 people in Central Ontario get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in manufacturing. This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs. This investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment to promote better training, better jobs, with bigger paycheques.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”

In partnership with the Ampere Association, we are investing $821,279 in Manufacturing Futures in Central Ontario to recruit, train, and upskill both new and existing talent. This investment will support 775 participants across the Ampere Association, who work with regional employers and industry groups across Central Ontario.

“By investing in training opportunities here in Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock and across Central Ontario, the Ontario Government is giving workers the tools they need to be succeed in good-paying in-demand jobs,” sad Laurie Scott, MPP for Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock. “This funding will strengthen our local workforce, support our manufacturing sector, and help build stronger communities across the region.”

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.

“This support from the Government of Ontario ensures we can continue our lifecycle-focused, long-term, sustainable educational model to the Trades as we seek to bridge the gap and support equity-seeking individuals looking for opportunities in this field.  It’s no secret how badly we need more skilled tradespeople in this province and how many opportunities exist within the field.  The Kawartha Makes program will bring additional intensive, 8 week course, partnered with local manufacturers and trades people to help build the next generation of skills trade people in the Kawarthas.” 

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.

QUICK FACTS 

  • So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.
  • Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
  • People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
  • The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.  
  • As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES 

MEDIA CONTACT

Richard Ovcharovich
Legislative Assistant
Office of MPP Laurie Scott
Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock
705-324-6654
richard.ovcharovich@pc.ola.org