The Ontario government is investing more than $6 million to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize skilled trades training in the Hamilton area. Through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, Apprenticeship Capital Grant and Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, the province is supporting eight local organizations that will help nearly 200 people prepare for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades and ensure apprentices train with the modern equipment and technology used on today's jobsites. As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario, the province is helping more workers gain the skills needed to land rewarding careers in the skilled trades and ensure Ontario has the workforce it needs to build the homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure the province needs.
"Creating more opportunity in the skilled trades starts with giving workers the training and experience employers are looking for," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "Through these investments, we're helping more workers in Hamilton transition into good-paying careers, supporting employers facing economic pressures and strengthening the industries that will drive Ontario's future prosperity. "
The organizations funded include:
- Mohawk College is receiving more than $2.6 million to support skilled trades training, including $1.89 million through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to modernize electrical, carpentry, automotive and millwright training at its Stoney Creek campus, $483,252 to purchase new electrical training equipment and $265,699 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 15 sheet metal workers with hands-on learning, certifications and paid work placements.
- YWCA Hamilton is receiving $1,854,571 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 54 participants, primarily women and youth, for careers in the automotive service technician, autobody and welding trades.
- Ironworkers Local 736 is receiving more than $948,000 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant and Skills Development Fund Capital Stream to build a new 7,000-square-foot training facility, purchase modern training equipment, including overhead cranes, and upgrade existing equipment so apprentices train with the same technology used by employers in the field. This investment will support an additional 75 trainees over the next five years.
- YMCA of Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford is receiving $330,345 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 20 participants, primarily youth, through a Truck and Coach Technician program that includes Level 1 training and employment-readiness supports.
- John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area is receiving $321,930 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to support 15 participants in machinist and millwright training. The program focuses on individuals facing barriers to employment, including justice-involved participants, and provides technical training, certifications and work placements.
- United Association 67 Technical Trades Academy is receiving $59,263 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to upgrade a welding machine used in its apprenticeship program, helping apprentices develop skills using current industry-standard technologies.
- Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program is receiving $59,083 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to purchase modern equipment such as power tools, torque wrenches and safety-related hand tools, as well as new digital and hands-on learning equipment that supports workers training for careers in elevator construction and maintenance.
- Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario is receiving $52,511 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to purchase a new industrial sandblaster, giving apprentices hands-on experience in surface preparation, rust and contaminant removal and protective coating applications using the same equipment and techniques found in today's industrial painting workplaces.
"Amid global economic uncertainty, Ontario's colleges are strengthening our homegrown pipeline of skilled trades workers that build and protect Ontario," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "Through these investments, our government is ensuring that apprentices have access to the hands-on training and modern equipment they need to get good-paying jobs in Hamilton's booming skilled trades sectors."
Together, these investments will help create more pathways into good-paying skilled trades jobs by expanding access to apprenticeship training and ensuring training providers have the facilities and equipment needed to prepare workers for careers in high-demand sectors, including construction, manufacturing, automotive and industrial trades.
Modernizing training facilities and expanding access to the skilled trades is part of the government's plan to protect Ontario by building a highly skilled workforce ready to meet growing demand and keep Ontario resilient into the future. Through its $236 billion plan to build, the government is delivering critical infrastructure projects that communities rely on while connecting more people to stable, good-paying careers.
Quick Facts
- The present Apprenticeship Capital Grant and Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program funding is at record levels since the program began.
- Ontario now has over 94,000 active apprentices registered across the skilled trades, the highest number in more than a decade.
- Over the next decade, Ontario is expected to need over 400,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations, across all sectors, due to retirements and job growth.
- Ontario will need about 7,300 millwrights, 800 ironworkers, 7,700 electricians and 6,400 welders over the next decade to build Ontario's critical infrastructure and energy projects and support long-term growth.
- By 2034, about 1 in 6 job openings in Ontario are expected to be in a skilled trades-related occupation.
- Through Budget 2025, the Ontario government invested $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning.
- Recently, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades. This is part of the government's new long-term funding model, which will bring $6.4 billion to our colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.
- The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and Apprenticeship Capital Grants are supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- Ontario's Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
"The skilled trades offer rewarding career opportunities while helping build the homes, infrastructure and communities Ontario needs. By investing in modern training facilities and expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities, we are helping more people gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in high-demand careers. These investments will strengthen the local workforce, support employers and help prepare Ontario for future growth."
- Mohamed Firin
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
"Ontario's future highways, homes and hospitals depend on a strong pipeline of skilled trades workers, trained right at our province's world-class colleges. This investment will further ensure that apprentices at Mohawk College can get the cutting-edge education and training they need to build and protect our province."
- Lorne Coe
Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
"Under Premier Ford's leadership, we're creating more opportunities for local jobseekers to access the training, hands-on experience and modern facilities they need to succeed in the skilled trades. These investments will help build a stronger workforce, create more pathways to rewarding careers and ensure Hamilton has the skilled workers needed to build the homes, hospitals and critical infrastructure our growing community relies on."
- Monica Ciriello
Member of Provincial Parliament for Hamilton Mountain
"This provincial investment will help nearly 200 jobseekers in the Hamilton area access the hands-on training, safety certifications, work placements and modern learning environments needed to begin rewarding careers in the skilled trades. By strengthening local training capacity and creating clearer pathways into apprenticeship, these initiatives will help develop the skilled workforce employers and communities need. Skilled Trades Ontario is proud to support participants as they take the next step toward certification."
- Candice White
Chief Executive Officer and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario
"Continued investment in skilled trades training allows Mohawk College to enhance the equipment and facilities that support hands-on learning across a wide range of programs, from automotive and truck and coach, to carpentry, refrigeration and welding. Keeping our training environments current with industry needs strengthens the student experience, supports learners throughout their journey into the trades and helps ensure the employers have access to graduates who are prepared to contribute from day one. Skilled trades training is a priority for Mohawk and we appreciate the Ontario government's continued support."
- Dr. Cebert Adamson
Vice President Academic at Mohawk College
"At YWCA Hamilton, we believe every woman and gender-diverse person deserves a real pathway into the skilled trades. This investment from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development allows us to open doors into the automotive service industry that have traditionally been closed to many in our community. We're proud to partner with the Ministry to build a stronger, more inclusive skilled trades workforce across Ontario."
- Khadija Hamidu
Vice President of Economic Development, YWCA Hamilton
"This important investment from the Government of Ontario will help us train the next generation of Ironworkers to meet the growing demand for skilled workers on Ontario's energy, transit and infrastructure projects. Our Local has over 1,500 members and we are strong and growing. By expanding and modernizing our training centre, we're ensuring apprentices receive the safest, highest-quality training and graduate ready to build the critical projects our province needs."
- Steven Pratt
Business Manager, Ironworkers Local 736
"The YMCA believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to realize their potential. We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this investment, which will help create pathways to rewarding careers in the skilled trades and support youth as they gain the skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the workforce. Through programs like this, the YMCA helps young people develop the confidence and resilience they need to achieve their goals and contribute to stronger communities."
- Manny Figueiredo
President & CEO, YMCA Hamilton, Burlington, Brantford
"Every day, we see the incredible potential in people who simply need someone to believe in them and provide a real opportunity. Thanks to the Government of Ontario's investment in our Pre-Apprenticeship General Machinist Program, individuals who have faced significant barriers to employment, particularly those with justice involvement, are gaining much more than technical skills and industry-recognized certifications. They are rebuilding confidence, rediscovering their purpose and creating a future they once thought was out of reach. Watching participants grow from uncertainty to pride as they prepare for meaningful careers is truly inspiring. At the same time, they are helping address the growing demand for skilled workers in Ontario's manufacturing sector, strengthening our local economy and our communities. This investment is more than funding a training program; it is restoring hope, creating second chances and demonstrating that when we invest in people, everyone succeeds."
- Menelik Girma
Team Lead, Employment Services, John Howard Society
"We are grateful to the Government of Ontario for this important investment in the current and next generation of skilled tradespeople. Upgrading our welding equipment will give apprentices the opportunity to train using modern, industry-standard technology, helping them build the practical skills and experience that will benefit both industry in Ontario and more importantly, the tradesperson behind the shield doing the work. United Association Local 67 is proud to play an ongoing role in developing a highly skilled workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of Ontario's rapidly growing construction and industrial sectors. We look forward to our continued work with Minister Piccini and the Government of Ontario on these critical investments in the people and future of Ontario."
- Nathan Bergstrand
Business Manager and Financial Secretary Treasurer, United Association Local 67
"The Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program is pleased to receive support from the Government of Ontario through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant. This investment in the Hamilton area will help CEIEP modernize training equipment and enhance hands-on learning opportunities for elevator constructor apprentices. By supporting access to current, industry-standard training tools and facilities, this funding will help ensure that apprentices develop the technical knowledge, safety-focused mindset and practical skills required to meet the evolving needs of Ontario's elevator industry."
- Chris McIntyre
Program Director, Canadian Elevator Industry Educational Program
