Ontario Opens New Skilled-Trades Training Opportunities for More Than 310 Women

The Ontario government is investing nearly $3.9 million in four training projects designed to help more than 310 women enter or advance in skilled trades, including survivors of gender-based violence and women facing barriers to employment.

The funding is being provided through the sixth round of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream. Participants will receive specialized training, mentorship, employment assistance and connections with employers, with additional supports available through individual programs.

Training will cover occupations including carpentry, cabinetmaking, machinery and transportation equipment mechanics, HVAC, gas fitting, refrigeration, construction supervision and project management.

Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region will receive just over $2 million to support 42 women who have experienced gender-based violence, providing skills training and employment supports for careers including carpentry, cabinetmaking and mechanical trades.

The Redwood for Women and Children Fleeing Abuse will receive about $914,000 to support 100 survivors through training, mentorship, financial assistance and trauma-informed services. Participants will be prepared for careers in HVAC, gas fitting, refrigeration and other construction-related trades.

The Canadian Association of Women in Construction is receiving approximately $460,000 to train 120 women for construction supervisory and project-management positions, while the Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre will receive more than $496,000 to help 50 women remain employed and advance in their careers.

Ontario Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini said increasing women’s participation in the skilled trades is important as the province seeks workers to build housing, hospitals, highways and other infrastructure. The province says the programs are also intended to help participants achieve greater financial independence.

Government figures show that more than 385,000 women worked in skilled-trades-related professions in Ontario in 2025, accounting for almost one-third of that workforce. Women also represent about 15 per cent of active apprentices in the province.

Women interested in participating are being directed to contact the organizations delivering the four projects directly for information about eligibility and enrollment.