The Ontario government has announced an investment of more than $9 million to train approximately 2,300 manufacturing and construction sector workers in Windsor.

The funding includes a $4.7-million investment to build a new training facility for local electrical workers through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) capital stream.

“Today’s investments from our government’s Skills Development Fund will support the world-class workers here in Windsor who are rebuilding Ontario’s economy by ensuring they have the skills and training they need to secure better jobs and bigger paycheques for years to come,” said Premier Doug Ford.

The funding comes from both the Training and Capital streams of the SDF, which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades. The projects include:

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 773: $5,511,476 through SDF Capital and Training Streams to train over 600 new electrical workers and build a new training facility in Windsor. This includes $4,748,066 through the SDF Capital stream to build a new 24,000-square foot training centre in Windsor, as well as $763,410 through the SDF Training stream to train new electrical workers and connecting apprentices with employers.

• Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN): $3 million through the SDF Training stream to develop local training programs for approximately 1,500 auto sector workers in Windsor and across the province, with a focus on electric vehicle and battery development. This includes setting up an Automotive Innovation Challenge for students at the University of Windsor and Ontario Tech University and enhancing the OVIN Learning Hub’s capacity by adding a new job placement portal that will connect students with employers in their communities.

• International Association of Bridge and Ironworkers Local 700: $512,836 through the SDF Training stream to train and upskill at least 170 new ironworkers and apprentices, including investing in enhanced instructional equipment and technology.

"The Skills Development Fund has been a game changer for our members and Ontario’s skilled tradespeople,” said Local 700 Business Manager Jason Roe. “With this funding, we’re able to train more workers and invest in new, industry-standard equipment to ensure we can meet growing employer demand safely and effectively."

Applications are now open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding.

To date, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported projects to help almost 600,000 people train for in-demand jobs, including: over 92,000 manufacturing workers, over 60,000 construction workers, and over 36,000 PSWs and healthcare workers.