The Ontario government has opened applications for the sixth round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, allocating $260 million to support workforce training and upskilling across key sectors, including manufacturing, construction, automotive and skilled trades.

According to a press statement, the funding is intended to help employers and training organizations address labour shortages and prepare workers for in-demand roles, particularly as the province navigates economic uncertainty and ongoing U.S. trade pressures.

Eligible applicants include employers, training providers, labour unions, Indigenous organizations and industry associations. Proposals can be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario until October 1, 2025.

The announcement also included details of more than $20 million in funding awarded through the previous round of the program, which supported training for nearly 4,825 workers and jobseekers.

Among the funded projects:

Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) received $1.43 million to train 500 individuals—including women, youth, and newcomers—for careers in manufacturing.

Support Ontario Youth was awarded $3.75 million to support 1,325 apprentices and jobseekers across 15 skilled trades.

Ontario Electrical League received $2.99 million to assist 500 journeypersons, apprentices, and rural residents with training and outreach in the electrical sector.

Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario was granted $3.77 million to train 120 new entrants and upskill 800 existing workers in painting and glazing trades.

Unite Here Local 75 received $5.5 million to train 1,440 workers for roles in Ontario’s hospitality sector.

Youth Employment Services (YES) was awarded $1.1 million to provide 140 unemployed youth and underrepresented groups with training in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

Workers First Technologies received $2 million to develop digital cross-training for healthcare workers.

Since its launch in 2021, the Skills Development Fund has supported over 1,000 projects across Ontario, with the goal of connecting more than 700,000 people to training opportunities. The initiative is part of a broader $2.5 billion investment announced in the 2025 provincial budget to expand workforce development over the next three years.