Ontario will prioritize projects preparing workers for careers in in-demand sectors such as the skilled trades and manufacturing with the next funding round of the Skills Development Fund. PHOTO by Pexels
With over 370,000 jobs going unfilled across the province, the Ontario government plans to invest an additional $90 million in the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to support training projects that upskill workers and jobseekers.
This third funding round, which opens September 29th, is open to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed, and will prioritize programs helping people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, Ukrainian newcomers, and others facing barriers to employment.
“As we continue to combat the largest labour shortage in a generation, there are tens of thousands of people who need a hand up, including those previously involved in the justice system who have paid their dues and just want to give back. I believe in second chances and that is why I am calling on Ontario’s employers to help us deliver programs that lift people up and give them the tools they need to earn bigger paycheques and lead purpose-driven lives,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
The previous two rounds of funding delivered 388 training projects, helping more than 393,000 people take the next step in their careers in in-demand industries.
Through the previous round of the Skills Development Fund, the government approved an investment of nearly $500,000 for the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area. Through an entirely new program, John Howard was able to connect over 40 previously incarcerated or justice-involved individuals with well-paying jobs in Hamilton’s manufacturing sector, solving the needs of local businesses as well.
During the upcoming third funding round, the province will also prioritize applications for projects preparing workers for careers in in-demand sectors such as the skilled trades, healthcare, technology and manufacturing.
The latest announcement brings Ontario’s total investment in the Skills Development Fund to over $560 million.
