Northern Ontario workers get a $17 million funding boost – Construct Connect

August 13, 2024

THUNDER BAY, ONT. — More Skills Development Fund (SDF) money is being invested with nearly $17 million going towards training more than 36,000 workers in Ontario’s north for in-demand careers in mining, construction, energy and forestry and towards building new training facilities.

The provincial government is partnering with First Nations, labour unions, local employers and community organizations to tackle labour shortages in the north and to ensure Ontario continues to be a global leader in mining and manufacturing, states a release.

The following projects will receive funding:

Science North:$3.27 million through the SDF Capital Stream to build a new training facility for up to 35,000 youth and apprentices over a five-year period to explore careers in mining and the skilled trades.
Sheet Metal Workers Union (SMART) Local 397:$1.07 million through the SDF Capital Stream to build a training centre for sheet metal workers and roofers to train 760 people over five years through pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.