Posted On: August 25, 2026, Posted By: CM Staff, CanadianManufacturing.com, Original Article.
Through their eight-week program in York, Durham and Peel Regions, participants will reportedly receive skills training, wraparound supports and hands-on experience to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
AURORA — The Ontario government announced an investment of over $4.8 million across three training projects, as it aims to help 400 underrepresented jobseekers access training and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.
“Supporting Simcoe and surrounding communities means making sure Ontario workers and businesses are ready to compete and succeed, especially as President Trump continues to threaten Canadian jobs with damaging tariffs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We’re not going to let President Trump’s tariffs dictate Ontario’s future. Through the Skills Development Fund, we’re breaking down barriers, connecting more people to in-demand careers and giving employers the skilled talent they need to grow. The best way to fight back is to build a stronger Ontario economy, one where our workers have the skills to succeed, our businesses have the talent to expand and our communities are ready to compete with anyone, anywhere.”
Minister Piccini was joined by representatives from Blue Door Support Service, which is receiving $3,637,864 to try and help 200 unemployed and unhoused jobseekers located in Simcoe area prepare for long-term careers. Through their eight-week program in York, Durham and Peel Regions, participants will reportedly receive skills training, wraparound supports and hands-on experience to pursue careers in the skilled trades, agriculture and long-term care, strengthening the local workforce employers and growing communities rely on. Participants can also reportedly apply online.
“Funding from Ontario’s Skills Development Fund to support Blue Door’s skilled trades training program, Construct, is pivotal for vulnerable jobseekers facing barriers to employment and the risk of homelessness,” shares Debbie Schatia, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Door. “Funding provides participants with in-class and hands-on training as well as individualized supports such as food, transportation, and psychotherapy to remove barriers and in a matter of weeks, secure quality, in-demand, well-paying trade careers.”
Through SDF Training Stream Round 6, the Ontario government is partnering with two other organizations to deliver training and workforce development opportunities across Simcoe and surrounding areas:
- Botree Inc. is receiving $813,700 to train 125 women and people from underrepresented groups for careers in long-term care, including as personal support workers and other frontline care professionals, helping improve care quality in nursing and residential care facilities across the surrounding area.
- The Karma Project Community Food Co-Operative Inc. is receiving $417,000 to try and provide 75 at-risk youth with hands-on, technical training, preparatory activities and mentorship to prepare for careers in agriculture and strengthen the workforce in Simcoe.