OEL and SOY receive SDF funding as Ontario launches Round 6 for skilled trades training

July 29, 2025 – The Ontario government announced the launch of Round 6 of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, which will provide $260 million for projects that support the hiring, training and upskilling of workers in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and other skilled trades.

Starting today, a range of organizations can apply for project funding, including employers, employment services and training providers, labour unions, business and industry organizations, hospitals, Indigenous band offices, Indigenous skills and employment training agreement holders, service system managers and other community organizations.

While announcing Round 6 of the SDF Training Stream, Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini also listed the organizations that are sharing $20 million from the 5th round of SDF to train several thousand workers and jobseekers. Among them:

Ontario Electrical League (OEL): $2,995,000 to provide 500 journeymen, registered apprentices, and people residing in remote/rural communities with financial aid, training, and outreach to address labour shortages in the electrical sector. Call OEL at 905-238-1382.

“As the voice of Ontario’s small to medium independent licensed electrical contractors, the Ontario Electrical League welcomes the province’s expanded investment through its sixth Skills Development Fund,” said OEL president Beatrice Sharkey, noting that the province’s electrical sector faces a “historic labour shortage, with too few new workers to replace the retiring workforce”.

Support Ontario Youth (SOY): $3,750,000 to support 1,325 jobseekers, high school graduates, and apprentices across 15 skilled trades with tailored education, hands-on training, mentorship, and employer matching.

“Investments like this are especially important as we navigate uncertain economic times, and they make a real difference in the lives of Ontario’s future tradespeople—those people who are building our communities, supporting our industries, and powering our progress,” said SOY executive director Melanie Winter.

“This investment is a vital support system, helping us build a skilled, mobile, and resilient workforce while positioning the trades as a rewarding career for youth and newcomers,” Sharkey added.

Interested? Visit the SDF Training Stream website or email [email protected] for more information.

Applications for Round 6 of the SDF Training Stream close October 1, 2025.