Ont. government announces investment of more than $8.6M to support women in the skilled trades

TORONTO — On Oct. 22, the Ontario government announced that it is investing more than $8.6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to try and help more than 1,700 women across the GTA access training and prepare for jobs in the skilled trades.

“Ontario’s economy depends on the skill and determination of its workers, and we’re making sure women have every opportunity to be part of that success,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By investing over $8 million through the Skills Development Fund, we’re opening doors to good-paying careers in the skilled trades, breaking down barriers and helping more women gain the confidence, training and in-demand skills they need to build Ontario’s future.”

Minister Piccini made the announcement at IBEW 353 in North York, which is receiving $2,306,312 to expand the Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices. Through the SDF, the Ontario government is also partnering with five other organizations across the GTA to deliver training programs that try and help make the skilled trades more accessible.

• Enercare Home Services is receiving $186,170 to deliver eight bootcamps across York Region for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12. Each bootcamp will provide transportation, tools, safety equipment and educational materials, while offering hands-on experience and mentorship in electrical, plumbing and HVAC in a safe environment.
• Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto is receiving $2,500,000 to provide racialized immigrant and refugee women with skills development training in project management, digital literacy and non-profit management. Participants will reportedly receive training stipends and employment counselling supports, including job interview practice and resume writing.
• Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is receiving $756,252 to support women in the skilled trades, by developing and delivering information sessions, courses in financial wellness and construction writing. Participants will reportedly receive in-person and online training for 40 weeks and be introduced to employers for jobs in the construction trades.
• Brands for Canada is receiving $491,000 to reportedly help women enter skilled trades jobs in the manufacturing sector through individualized and comprehensive training workshops, virtual modules, mentorship programs and industry placements.
• The Career Foundation’s A Women’s Work is receiving $2,399,745 to train 260 women for careers in the skilled trades. Participants will reportedly receive hands-on training in areas such as tiling, drywall, framing, painting and roofing, along with comprehensive wraparound supports, including mentorship, self-esteem workshops and gender-focused training.