The Ontario government has committed more than $4 million through its Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help nearly 500 people in Thunder Bay and surrounding areas find good-paying jobs in the construction, industrial, mining and transportation sectors.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement in Thunder Bay on July 31 alongside members of IBEW Local 402. The union will receive more than $805,000 to train aspiring electricians through in-class and on-the-job training, with a focus on the industrial and mining sectors in Northwestern Ontario. Participants will be offered apprenticeships upon successful completion of the program.

"IBEW Local 402 is incredibly proud to partner with the Province of Ontario and truly grateful for its Skills Development Fund investment in our Tech, Tools and Trades Training Program,” said Business Manager Craig Peterson. “Our program will broaden access to hands-on training, while energizing the careers of tomorrow’s electricians. This investment ensures the next generation of electrical workers is trained, supported and ready to power Ontario’s future.”

Three other construction-sector organizations will also receive SDF funding:

• LiUNA Local 607 is receiving $920,825 to train more women, particularly Indigenous women, for careers through the Construction Craft Worker trade. This entry-level program supports Indigenous learners entering residential construction, with hands-on training in framing, drywall, roofing and more, supported by local school boards and community partners.

• Ironworkers Local 759 is receiving $530,755 to deliver two six-month, hands-on welding training cohorts. The funding will double the training facility’s capacity and equip it with six new welding booths and modern tools.

• Millwright Local 1151 is receiving $186,130 to provide in-house training in the industrial and construction sectors. The funding will support the delivery of certifications like Working at Heights and enhance recruitment of Indigenous trades workers through its Introduction to Millwright project.

Since its launch in 2021, the SDF Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects and has helped connect more than 700,000 people with training.

Earlier this week, the province launched a new call for project proposals for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream totaling $260 million.