Ontario Investing Over $2.6 Million to Protect Workers in London

August 25, 2025

Skills Development Fund investments will train workers for in-demand jobs in the face of U.S. tariffs

LONDON — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced that the Ontario government is investing over $2.6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to help workers in London and surrounding areas prepare for good-paying, in-demand jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors.

“Ontario workers are the backbone of our economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “By investing in training programs in London, we’re protecting Ontario workers by helping them get the skills they need to land better jobs and bigger paycheques. Whether it’s in manufacturing or other sectors, we’re making sure no one gets left behind in the face of U.S. tariffs or any other challenges.”

The $2.5 billion SDF protects Ontario workers by giving them the training and tools necessary to get in-demand jobs, while helping Ontario remain competitive in the face of U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty. Through the SDF, the Ontario government is partnering with two organizations in the London area to deliver three free training programs in sectors affected by U.S. tariffs and policies:

  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 120 is receiving $694,546 to provide 91 participants with essential safety certifications, electrical skills and workplace readiness for construction sector jobs to overcome barriers, advance in their careers and qualify for specialized roles. People interested in the project can contact the IBEW Local 120 at 519-652-2929 for instructions to apply.
  • Literacy Link South Central is receiving $1,945,912 for two of their programs. Their Apprenticeship Readiness Inventory and Skills Evaluation (ARISE) program will provide foundational skills for 250 apprentices. The Step Up and Succeed: Foundational Skill Building for the Skilled Trades will integrate literacy and basic skills into their training, supporting 298 participants. People interested in the ARISE project can email Vito Mendonca at vito@llsc.on.ca. People interested in the Step Up project can visit: www.llsc.on.ca/step-up-and-succeed-2025-2026 or contact Jan Gourley, Project Manager, by email at jan@llsc.on.ca.

“Our government is standing shoulder to shoulder with Ontario’s workers to make sure they are protected in the face of global economic uncertainty,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That’s why we are proud to invest in programs that will get workers better training, for better jobs, with bigger paycheques. It’s about giving people the tools they need to succeed while building a stronger, more productive Ontario.”

Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream to help train more than one million workers for in-demand careers and good-paying jobs in sectors like the skilled trades. As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the government is investing nearly $1 billion more through the Skills Development Fund over the next three years, bringing the total to $2.5 billion, to support key industrial sectors and help train even more workers.

Quick Facts

  • People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
  • On July 29, the Ontario government launched a new call for project proposals for the SDF Training Stream totaling $260 million. Interested organizations can visit the SDF Training Stream website and have until October 1st to apply.
  • The SDF Training Stream Rounds 1 to 5 are supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. SDF Training Round 6 and Capital Stream are supported exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
  • On August 20, the Ontario government announced a $70 million investment to support the Protect Ontario Workers Employment Response (POWER) Centres and enhance Better Jobs Ontario (BJO). These changes will help train and upskill jobseekers and workers affected by U.S. tariffs, so that they can secure better jobs with bigger paycheques.