Ford announces funding for training, recruitment of trade workers in Kitchener

Premier Doug Ford announced funding to help tackle the province’s labour shortage and train trade workers in Kitchener.

The government is investing $260 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to help workers in manufacturing, construction and technology get connected with high-paying jobs in their communities, a press release from the province reads.

The announcement today brings the total investment to the fund up to $1.4 billion since 2021.

Ford also said $7.2 million of the previous funding for the SDF went towards training nearly 3,300 workers in Kitchener and across Ontario.

“By continuing to work for workers and make these important investments, we are also tackling Ontario’s labour shortage and bringing back good-paying jobs in manufacturing and the skilled trades,” Ford said at the press conference.

The SDF’s goal is to help organizations address challenges to hiring, training or retraining workers. There have been four rounds of investments made to the fund, the announcement today is the fifth round. Employers, employment service, training providers, labour unions, community organizations, business and industry organizations, among others, are eligible for the funding.

“Whether your passion is developing the next generation of (electric vehicles) EVs, building nuclear power stations or creating homes for new families, our government is making sure you have the opportunity to thrive,” David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, said in a press release.

According to the government, Ontario has invested over $20 million for training in Kitchener including to the Canadian Tooling and Machining Association, Grand Valley Construction Association and Christian Labour Association of Canada.