The Ontario government has announced it will invest more than $8.6 million in a series of programs in the Greater Toronto Area designed to bring more women into the skilled trades.

This funding is being provided through the Skills Development Fund (SDF), and aims to help more than 1,700 women access training and prepare for work.

“Ontario’s economy depends on the skill and determination of its workers, and we’re making sure women have every opportunity to be part of that success,” said Labour Minister David Piccini.

The minister made the announcement at IBEW 353 in North York, which is receiving $2,306,312 to expand its Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices.

"Pathways is an innovative project offering apprenticeship opportunities to women, youth at risk, Indigenous and those from all underrepresented groups,” said IBEW 353 business manager and financial secretary Lee Caprio.

Three other organizations will receive funding for programs that focus specifically on construction trades.

Enercare Home Services is receiving $186,170 to deliver eight bootcamps across York Region for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12. Each bootcamp will provide transportation, tools, safety equipment and educational materials, while offering hands-on experience and mentorship in electrical, plumbing and HVAC in a safe environment.

The Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is receiving $756,252 to support women in the skilled trades, by developing and delivering information sessions, courses in financial wellness and construction writing. Participants will receive in-person and online training for 40 weeks and be introduced to employers for jobs in the construction trades.

The Career Foundation’s A Women’s Work is receiving $2,399,745 to train 260 women for in-demand careers in the skilled trades. Participants will receive hands-on training in areas such as tiling, drywall, framing, painting and roofing, along with comprehensive wraparound supports, including mentorship, self-esteem workshops and gender-focused training — setting them up for meaningful and lasting careers.

Also receiving funding are Newcomer Women's Services Toronto to provide racialized immigrant and refugee women with skills development training in project management, digital literacy and non-profit management, and Brands for Canada, which aims to empower young women to enter skilled trades jobs in the manufacturing sector.

The Ontario government says 1.3 million people are currently working in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario, of which 390,000 are women. Additionally, new female apprenticeship registrations in Ontario increased to nearly 4,160 in 2024-2025.