The Ontario government is now accepting applications for its Skills Development Fund.

The fund, which was introduced in the province’s 2020 budget, will allocate $115 million to help address those specific challenges being faced by workers and apprentices due to COVID-19. It aims to fund programs that will reduce obstacles to hiring, training and retaining while preparing workers for the province's economic recovery.

"When faced with unprecedented challenges we need innovative solutions, that's why we developed this new Skills Development Fund. It will lead to fresh and creative ideas to help get people back on the job and kick-start our communities," said Labour, Training and Skills Development Minister Monte McNaughton. "My message to workers is clear: there is hope and opportunity around the corner. I'm calling on everyone—businesses, union leaders and training providers—to submit your ideas and participate in our economic recovery."

The Skills Development Fund will accept applications from a wide range of employment and training organizations in Ontario, with a particular focus on:

• giving laid-off workers immediate access to training supports or new jobs,
• improving the quality of training,
• reaching out to traditionally underrepresented groups,
• increasing apprentice registrations and completion,
• better serving local communities, and
• supporting the talent needs of small businesses.

The province says that the fund to support such projects as a digital career fair that allows employers to connect with job seekers impacted by COVID-19, mentorship programs and career counselling for apprentices while they are training on-the-job, the creation of training materials that teach employers how to accommodate employees who have disabilities, and making workspaces and equipment more accessible.

“Supporting the training needs of trade unions, employers and the strong network of training partners are an important step in securing the economic recovery of the province," said James St. John, business manager at the Central Ontario Building Trades.

Applications for this first round of funding, which is valued at $100 million, are open through February 28. A second round of funding worth $15 million will be opened in the spring.

"COVID-19 has transformed how we work. It is essential we strategically manage and prepare for the future,” said James Barry, executive secretary treasurer of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Construction Council of Ontario. “This funding announcement provides support for innovative and effective training approaches that are critical to helping our members continue to contribute to a dynamic and well-trained workforce essential to fueling Ontario’s economic recovery.”

In its 2020 budget, the province committed an additional $180.5 million over three years to help existing workers improve their skills. The budget also includes a skilled trades strategy, an additional $100 million of dedicated investments through Employment Ontario for skills training, a redesigned Second Career program, and $59.5 million over three years to help workers acquire in-demand skills.