MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government will provide more than $23 million in skills training projects led by 14 organizations in and around Mississauga.
Premier Doug Ford announced the funding Tuesday at the Ontario Masonry Training Centre, which will receive just over $1.1 million to provide flexible, hands-on training in brick, stone and masonry trades. The program will also include safety instruction and job search support.
“With President Trump’s tariffs taking direct aim at our economy and workers, we are investing record amounts to protect Ontario workers and keep them on the job,” Ford said. “The investments we are announcing today will help workers get the skills and training they need to succeed and support economic growth here in Mississauga and across the province.”
The money is part of the province’s $2.5-billion Skills Development Fund, aimed at preparing workers for high-demand sectors including construction, health care, transportation, manufacturing, aerospace and the skilled trades. More than 4,200 people are expected to benefit from the new projects.
Several construction-related groups are among the recipients:
- Bothwell-Accurate Inc. will receive $2.5 million to train and upskill 235 construction workers in trades, safety, equipment operation and managerial training across Mississauga and Toronto.
- Canadian Association of Women in Construction will receive $460,000 to provide 100 women in the industry with targeted training and resources.
- Concrete Ontario will receive $149,800 to develop standardized training materials for concrete delivery professionals, including safety, environmental practices and low-carbon techniques, with a focus on women, youth and Indigenous participants.
- National Electrical Trade Council will receive nearly $2.9 million to upskill 550 apprentices and journeypersons in advanced electrical trades using modern technology and virtual reality.
- Ontario Road Builders’ Association will receive $1.8 million to train 200 participants for road construction and infrastructure careers, followed by paid job placements.
- Sovereign Construction Management Limited will receive $750,000 to support 500 participants with hands-on training and job placements in construction, civil engineering, transport and heavy equipment operation.
“This funding will help attract new talent, upskill existing workers and ensure our sector has the people it needs to keep Ontario moving,” said Walid Abou-Hamde, CEO of the Ontario Road Builders’ Association. “A strong, well-trained workforce is essential to delivering the safe and reliable infrastructure our communities depend on.”
Since 2021, the province has invested $2.5 billion through the fund. A new call for project proposals totaling $260 million was launched in July.
