Ontario Commits $8.6M to Boost Women’s Participation in Skilled Trades Sector

Major Investment in Women’s Trades Training

The Ontario government is reportedly investing more than $8.6 million through its Skills Development Fund to help over 1,700 women across the Greater Toronto Area access training and prepare for careers in the skilled trades, according to recent announcements. Sources indicate this funding represents part of the government’s broader $2.5 billion investment in the SDF aimed at protecting workers and maintaining Ontario’s competitiveness.

Major Investment in Women’s Trades Training
Breaking Down Barriers in Skilled Trades
Partner Organizations and Program Details
Broader Economic Context

Breaking Down Barriers in Skilled Trades

According to reports from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the investment specifically targets removing obstacles that have traditionally limited women’s participation in skilled trades. “Ontario’s economy depends on the skill and determination of its workers, and we’re making sure women have every opportunity to be part of that success,” said David Piccini, minister of labour, immigration, training and skills development, in a media release. The minister reportedly emphasized that the funding would open doors to good-paying careers while providing women with the confidence, training and in-demand skills needed to build Ontario’s future.

Partner Organizations and Program Details

The government is partnering with five organizations across the GTA to deliver targeted training programs, according to the announcement. Analysts suggest these partnerships are designed to address specific barriers women face when entering skilled trades professions.

IBEW 353 is receiving $2,306,312 to expand the Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices, with Minister Piccini making the announcement at their North York location., according to industry news

Brands for Canada has been allocated $491,000 to empower young women entering manufacturing sector trades through individualized training workshops, virtual modules, mentorship programs and industry placements.

Enercare Home Services is receiving $186,170 to deliver eight bootcamps across York Region for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12, providing transportation, tools, safety equipment and hands-on experience in electrical, plumbing and HVAC fields., according to industry experts

Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto has been granted $2,500,000 to provide racialized immigrant and refugee women with skills development training in project management, digital literacy and non-profit management, along with training stipends and employment counselling supports.

Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is receiving $756,252 to support women through information sessions, financial wellness courses, and construction writing training, with participants receiving 40 weeks of in-person and online training.

The Career Foundation’s A Women’s Work has been allocated $2,399,745 to train 260 women for in-demand trades careers, providing hands-on training in tiling, drywall, framing, painting and roofing, along with comprehensive wraparound supports including mentorship and self-esteem workshops.

Broader Economic Context

The report states that since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream, aimed at helping train more than one million workers for in-demand careers. According to the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing an additional $1 billion through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion to support critical industries and make training accessible to more workers.

Industry observers suggest this targeted approach to increasing women’s participation in skilled trades could help address workforce shortages while creating more diverse and inclusive work environments across Ontario’s industrial and construction sectors.