NIAGARA REGION — The Ontario government is investing more than $13 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help over 9,000 workers and jobseekers in the Niagara Region prepare for in-demand jobs in the construction, manufacturing and food and beverage processing sectors. This investment is part of the government’s $1 billion expansion of the SDF, for a total of $2.5 billion, to help protect Ontario workers by giving them the tools they need to land rewarding, good-paying jobs while helping Ontario remain competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty.
“The investments we are announcing today will help workers across Niagara Region get the skills and training they need to find good-paying jobs and support a growing economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By investing in workers, we’re helping protect their jobs and futures, and helping Ontario stand up to President Trump’s tariffs and anything else that might come our way.”
Today, Premier Ford was joined by members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 303 in Niagara Falls, which is receiving $635,728 to train new apprentices for in-demand jobs in the electrical industry. Workers will receive several safety certifications, with training focused on working at heights and on elevated platforms, helping them prepare for better jobs with bigger paycheques in the sector.
“This government is stepping up to protect Ontario workers,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We are meeting the moment of economic uncertainty with bold and decisive action. That means investing in the skills and training that empower our world-class workforce to not only persevere in the face of adversity, but to build a stronger, more resilient Ontario.”
Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with 10 other organizations in the region to deliver free training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:
- Civiconnect Youth Community Engagement Organization is receiving $2,500,000 to provide youth with hands-on training in the skilled trades.
- Silverline Group is receiving $2,186,430 to provide in-class and on-the-job training for workers in the construction industry.
- Food and Beverage Ontario is receiving $2,000,000 to provide skills training, job coaching and career resources for workers in the food and beverage manufacturing industry.
- Sin Structures Inc. is receiving $1,500,000 to help participants learn fundamental skills required in manufacturing and fabrication in the steel industry.
- Niagara Home Builders’ Association is receiving $1,397,179 to train more people for construction-related trades.
- Edge Factor Inc. is receiving $1,087,600 to leverage virtual reality (VR) to help youth and underrepresented groups to explore skilled trades through VR.
- Canadian Niagara Hotels Inc. is receiving $989,375 to train staff and support the tourism industry in the Niagara region.
- Niagara Industrial Association is receiving $581,500 to establish an academy that will provide on-the-job training to meet immediate and longer-term business needs of the region.
- Willowbrook Nurseries is receiving $349,400 to develop manufacturing training programs for workers.
- XpertVR Inc. is receiving $280,055 for a VR training program that will provide access to realistic, customizable scenarios and prepare firefighting teams to face the challenges of their demanding roles.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with better training for better jobs with bigger paycheques. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through the SDF to support major industries and sectors while training the workers needed to build and strengthen Ontario’s economy to withstand whatever comes our way. This investment brings Ontario’s total SDF investment to $2.5 billion.
Quick Facts
- The investment brings Ontario’s total investment in Niagara training projects through the SDF to over $47 million.
- So far, the SDF Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province and aimed to help over 700,000 people.
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The SDF Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
“We are incredibly proud to receive this support through the Skills Development Fund. This investment allows IBEW Local 303 to continue delivering our Job Readiness Program, which equips new entrants with the hands-on training and mentorship needed to succeed in the electrical trade. This funding doesn’t just benefit our members — it strengthens our local workforce, supports economic growth in Niagara and builds long-term opportunities in the skilled trades. We’re grateful for the government’s continued commitment to trades training and our shared future.”
– Crystal Onifrichuk
Job Readiness Program Coordinator, IBEW Local 303
“As the largest manufacturing sector by employment in Ontario, food and beverage manufacturing comprises over 4,000 companies, 90 per cent of which are small businesses. We appreciate the ongoing strong support of CareersNOW from the provincial government through the Skills Development Fund. CareersNOW provides free job matching, skills training and career development resources to jobseekers while supporting businesses in attracting and retaining talent. CareersNOW, funded under the Skills Development Fund, has helped over 3,500 people get good-paying jobs in the sector.”
– Chris Conway
CEO, Food and Beverage Ontario
“Both the Niagara Home Builders’ Association and our educational partner, Niagara College, are incredibly grateful to the province for once again investing in training that continues to prepare students with the skills that they need to work their way toward building a stable career, creating a stronger workforce and preparing more Niagara residents for meaningful, in-demand careers.”
– Chuck McShane
CEO, Niagara Home Builders’ Association
“The Niagara Industrial Association has been a leading advocate for the manufacturing and industrial sector in Niagara for over 18 years — ensuring that our businesses have a robust, skilled and stable workforce is critical to our success. The Skills Development Fund allows us to deliver an employer-led program that enables our businesses to receive supports that are tailored to their unique individual workforce needs. We are thankful to the Province for continuing to commit the necessary resources to support manufacturing in Niagara, and are excited to announce this much-needed value offering!”
– Jordan Sherlock
Executive Director, Niagara Industrial Association
“When training is more accessible, communities are safer. This investment helps bring immersive, high-impact VR training to more Ontario fire departments, making preparedness scalable and cost-effective for everyone.”
– Evan Sitler-Bates
CEO and Co-Founder, XpertVR
“I want to thank Premier Doug Ford and the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, for their continued commitment to building a strong, resilient workforce. This funding through the Skills Development Fund will help Civiconnect expand our Youth Skills Studio and prepare more young people with the hands-on experience and training they need to build successful careers in the skilled trades. Civiconnect is proud to support the government’s leadership as it leverages every tool to promote the skilled trades, foster productivity and champion working families.”
– Nour Hage
President and CEO, Civiconnect
“At Edge Factor, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire the next generation of skilled trades professionals. We are proud to be working with the Government of Ontario to highlight the Real Pathways campaign, where we share real people, real stories and real pathways to a successful future in the trades. We want to thank Premier Doug Ford and the Honourable David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, for their continued leadership in strengthening Ontario’s skilled trades workforce. Partnering with the Government of Ontario, we’re bringing these stories to life, highlighting the rewards and opportunities that exist across our province. Together, we’re not just filling job vacancies; we’re building futures and strengthening communities.”
– Jeremy Bout
President and Founder, Edge Factor