The Ontario government is investing nearly $3.9 million to help more than 310 women prepare for careers in skilled trades. The funding will support training, mentorship, employment assistance and workplace connections.

The investment is part of the sixth round of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream and includes specialized programs for women facing employment barriers, including survivors of gender-based violence.

Ontario Skilled Trades Training Will Support More Than 310 Women

The latest funding will be distributed among four organizations delivering training and employment programs.

The projects cover occupations and career paths including:

• Carpentry
• Cabinetmaking
• Machinery mechanics
• Transportation equipment mechanics
• HVAC
• Gas fitting
• Refrigeration mechanics
• Construction supervision
• Construction project management

The Ontario government says the projects are intended to help participants develop practical skills and connect with employers.

Ontario Invests $3.9 Million Through Skills Development Fund

The funding recipients include four organizations.

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region

The organization is receiving approximately $2 million to help 42 women who are survivors of gender-based violence prepare for skilled trades careers.

The program includes skills training, employment support and wraparound services.

The Redwood

The Redwood is receiving approximately $914,110 to support 100 survivors of gender-based violence.

Participants will receive training, mentorship, financial assistance and trauma-informed support while preparing for careers such as HVAC technicians, gas fitters, and refrigeration mechanics.

Canadian Association of Women in Construction

The organization is receiving approximately $459,675 to train 120 women for supervisory and project management roles in construction.

The project will include skills training, mentorship, employment supports and employer connections.

Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre

The organization will receive approximately $496,153 to help 50 women remain employed and advance in their careers.

The project includes employment opportunities, wraparound support and inclusive workplace training.

Ontario Skilled Trades Need More Workers

Ontario’s investment comes as the province continues to emphasize the importance of skilled trades.

The government reported that more than 385,000 women were working in skilled trades-related professions in Ontario in 2025, representing almost one-third of the province’s skilled trades workforce.

It also reported that women represented approximately 15 percent of active apprentices.

The figures highlight both the growing participation of women in trades and the potential for further expansion.

Ontario Skilled Trades Training Can Help Address Employment Barriers

The funded programs are designed not only to teach technical skills but also to address barriers that can prevent people from entering or remaining in the workforce.

Support may include:

• Mentorship
• Financial assistance
• Employment services
• Workplace connections
• Trauma-informed programming
• Inclusive workplace training
• Skills development

This broader approach can help participants transition from training into employment.

Ontario Skilled Trades and Newcomers

Skilled trades can also be relevant to people planning Canada immigration.

Canada’s immigration system includes pathways that consider skilled occupations, Canadian work experience and labour-market needs.

Ontario’s investment does not create a new immigration pathway. However, people already in Ontario or considering a future career in Canada may benefit from understanding how skilled trades fit into the province’s labour market and immigration landscape.

Newcomers should separately check the eligibility criteria for work permits, provincial nomination programs and Permanent Residence pathways.

Ontario Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Opportunities

Ontario supports several initiatives designed to attract and train people for skilled trades.

These include apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives as well as programs designed specifically to encourage women to enter trades.

For individuals interested in building a long-term career in Canada, training and certification can be important steps toward establishing themselves in the labour market.

However, requirements vary significantly by occupation.

Ontario Strengthens Oversight of Skills Development Funding

The latest SDF projects have also been designed with enhanced oversight.

Ontario says the sixth round includes measures aligned with recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 program review.

These measures include:

• Tracking employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months.
• Requiring disclosure of registered lobbyists and consultants.
• Strengthening project screening and risk assessment.
• Expanding due diligence to individuals associated with applications.

These measures are intended to improve transparency and program monitoring.

Ontario Skilled Trades Funding and Employment Outcomes

The government says the Skills Development Fund has already supported significant employment and training outcomes.

According to the province, Round 4 resulted in more than 14,000 people achieving employment and more than 67,000 upskilling after completing SDF training.

Across Rounds 1 through 5, Ontario says more than 120,000 participants found employment within 60 days of completing their program.

These figures provide context for the government’s continued investment in skills training.

What Does the Ontario Skilled Trades Investment Mean for Women?

The new funding creates additional opportunities for women to gain technical and leadership skills.

The projects also specifically support women facing significant barriers to employment.

By combining technical training with mentorship, employment services and employer connections, the initiatives are intended to create a clearer pathway from training to work.

Ontario Skilled Trades and Canada’s Labour Market

Skilled trades remain important to Canada’s broader economic development.

Workers in construction, mechanical occupations, HVAC and related fields can contribute to housing construction, infrastructure development and industrial activity.

For people considering Study in Canada, work in Canada or Canada immigration, understanding labour-market demand can help when evaluating education and career choices.

What Should Prospective Applicants Know?

The $3.9 million announcement is primarily a workforce-training initiative.

It does not mean that every woman can automatically access funding or receive an immigration benefit.

People interested in participating should contact the organization delivering the relevant project and confirm eligibility.

Those considering immigration should separately assess available federal and provincial pathways.

Ontario Skilled Trades Investment: Key Takeaways

Ontario’s latest investment highlights the province’s continued focus on workforce development and women’s participation in skilled trades.

Key points include:

• Ontario is investing nearly $3.9 million.
• More than 310 women are expected to benefit.
• Four organizations will deliver the funded projects.
• Training covers occupations including carpentry, HVAC, cabinetmaking and construction management.
• Programs include mentorship and employment support.
• Survivors of gender-based violence are among the priority participants.
• Ontario reported more than 385,000 women working in skilled trades-related professions in 2025.
• Enhanced monitoring measures will track longer-term employment outcomes.

For the latest Ontario immigration, skilled trades, employment and Canada immigration news, follow ImmigCanada.

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