Ontario Training Jobseekers for In-Demand Careers in Technology

The Ontario government is investing $3.5 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to provide free skills development training in technology-related fields for 800 workers and jobseekers in Toronto, with a focus on fostering Black entrepreneurship in tech. This brings Ontario’s total investment in skills development training through SDF to nearly $1.1 billion.

“As Ontario leads the world in advanced technologies, it is critical that we invest in training and upskilling workers to ensure our talent matches our ambition,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By providing hands-on training in high-growth sectors, our government is working with our philanthropic and private-sector partners to create well-paying, future-proof careers for more Ontarians.”

In partnership with the Dream Legacy Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on fostering Black economic and social inclusion across Canada, participants will receive specialized upskilling with hands-on learning in high-demand sectors, including skilled trades and technical occupations. Participants will also receive advanced skills development in emerging technologies such as app development, coding and design principles, and virtual reality basics, as well as professional development training, mentorship and job placement support.

“As one of the largest innovation and tech clusters in North America, Ontario’s highly skilled workers are the engine of our economy,” said Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That is why our government continues to make record investments through our Skills Development Fund to ensure all Ontarians have the opportunity to thrive, no matter your background.”

“At Dream Legacy Foundation, our mandate is focused on bridging the gap between institutions and underrepresented communities through economic initiatives with a social impact. Through this SDF funding, in collaboration with other institutions, we see this as another example of helping with hands-on learning in high-demand sectors, including skilled trades and technical occupations, with an ultimate end goal of helping to increase mentorship, development training and job placement support within the community.”

Monique Asuquo
Executive Director, Dream Legacy Foundation

“This underscores our government’s commitment to investing in the potential of every worker and fostering a robust and inclusive workforce that is prepared to meet the labour needs of the future head-on. By supporting the Dream Legacy Foundation, this investment opens doors into the labour force and skilled trades for underrepresented communities.”

Robin Martin
MPP for Eglinton-Lawrence

EN: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1004677/ontario-training-jobseekers-for-in-demand-careers-in-technology

FR: https://news.ontario.ca/fr/release/1004677/lontario-prepare-les-chercheurs-demploi-pour-des-carrieres-en-demande-dans-le-domaine-de-la-technologie