'We're ensuring employers have the workers they need to continue growing their businesses and investing in Ontario's economy'
In a significant move to address labour shortages and support workforce development, the Ontario government has announced an investment of over $6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to train more than 1,000 carpenters across the province.
This investment is part of Ontario’s broader strategy to enhance skills training and connect workers with high-demand, well-paying jobs.
Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of this initiative for Ontario’s economic growth.
"Our plan to keep rebuilding Ontario’s economy starts with investing in workers so they can find better jobs with bigger paycheques right here in our province,” said Ford. “By helping workers train for jobs in fast-growing sectors like carpentry, we’re also ensuring employers have the workers they need to continue growing their businesses and investing in Ontario’s economy.”
Addressing labour shortages
With roughly 1,200 carpentry vacancies across Ontario, these projects aim to fill critical gaps in the labour market. The first project, managed by the Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC), will receive over $5.5 million to train more than 750 jobseekers and apprentices. This program combines on-the-job training with classroom learning, preparing participants for their Certificate of Qualification Red Seal exam.
The second project, led by the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades (CCAT), is set to receive $894,824. This funding will support the upskilling of up to 312 jobseekers in specialized carpentry skills such as formwork and scaffolding, which are particularly in demand in non-residential construction sectors.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, highlighted the government’s commitment to matching training opportunities with the province’s growing infrastructure needs.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build the homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure our growing communities need,” said Piccini. “That’s why our government is proud to work with our union partners to invest over $6 million in new training programs that will give more jobseekers the opportunity to build a bright future for themselves and their families in carpentry.”
Broader investment in labour skills
This latest investment is part of a broader strategy by the Ontario government to invest nearly $1.1 billion through the Skills Development Fund. Since its launch in 2021, the SDF has helped almost 600,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 66,000 construction workers.
The fund also aims to support underrepresented groups such as women, youth, persons with disabilities, racialized groups, and Indigenous peoples.