The Ontario government has announced an investment of more than $23 million to support skills training initiatives being run by 14 organizations in and around Mississauga.

“With President Trump’s tariffs taking direct aim at our economy and workers, we are investing record amounts to protect Ontario workers and keep them on the job,” said Premier Doug Ford. “The investments we are announcing today will help workers get the skills and training they need to succeed and support economic growth here in Mississauga and across the province.”

This funding is part of the government’s $2.5 billion investment through the training stream of its Skills Development Fund (SDF). The money will go toward helping more than 4,200 people prepare for work in high-demand sectors including construction, health care, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace and the skilled trades.

Ford announced the funding at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre in Mississauga, which is receiving $1,112,661 to train workers in brick, stone and masonry trades through flexible, hands-on learning. This project includes training for the development of essential masonry skills to improve the job performance of participants and offers safety training and job search supports.

Thirteen other organizations will share in the remaining funding. Of those in the construction sector:

• Bothwell-Accurate Inc. is receiving $2.5 million to train and upskill 235 construction workers in trades, safety, equipment operation and managerial training across Mississauga and Toronto.
• The Canadian Association of Women in Construction is receiving $460,000 to provide 100 women in the construction industry with targeted training and resources.
• Concrete Ontario is receiving $149,800 to develop standardized training materials for concrete delivery professionals, which include safety, environmental practices and low-carbon techniques, with a focus on increasing participation from women, youth and Indigenous peoples.
• The National Electrical Trade Council is receiving $2,889,720 to train and upskill 550 apprentices and journeypersons in advanced electrical trades using modern technology and virtual reality.
• The Ontario Road Builders’ Association is receiving $1,834,450 to provide 200 participants with training to enhance workforce readiness and upskilling for careers in road construction and infrastructure, followed by paid job placements.
• Sovereign Construction Management Limited is receiving $750,000 to provide 500 participants with hands-on training and job placement support in careers that include construction, civil engineering, transport and heavy equipment operation.

"This funding will help attract new talent, upskill existing workers and ensure our sector has the people it needs to keep Ontario moving,” said Walid Abou-Hamde, CEO of the Ontario Road Builders Association. “A strong, well-trained workforce is essential to delivering the safe and reliable infrastructure our communities depend on."

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $2.5 billion into the SDF. In July, the province launched a new call for project proposals for the SDF Training Stream totaling $260 million.