As part of its plan to protect Ontario and deliver on an ambitious infrastructure plan, the Ontario government is investing $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning. This investment will strengthen the province's pipeline of highly skilled construction workers that are needed to fulfill the government's ambitious plan to build more homes, highways, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, no matter what comes our way.
"Our government has bold plans to build the Ontario of tomorrow, and it is critical that we have the homegrown, highly skilled workers to get it done," said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. "From designing roadways to building homes, this investment will ensure our students have the training they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers that protect and strengthen Ontario's future in the face of economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs."
This investment will fund up to 7,500 new seats at colleges and Indigenous Institutes for construction programs such as welding, carpentry and renovation techniques. The funding will also support up to 300 new seats for graduate students at universities to train vital urban and land use planners across the province by 2028.
"In the midst of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, it's more important than ever to strengthen our skilled workforce," said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. "We have an ambitious plan to build Ontario, and by investing in more seats for skills training today, we are protecting the jobs of tomorrow. Each of these additional seats will help ensure Ontario workers can land better jobs with bigger paycheques."
Colleges receiving funding to expand enrollment in the construction programs starting as early as September 2025 include: Cambrian College, Confederation College, Collège Boréal, La Cité, Centennial College, Durham College, George Brown College, Humber Polytechnic, Conestoga College, Fleming College, Georgian College, Niagara College and Fanshawe College, as well as Kenjgewin Teg, an Indigenous Institute.
Universities receiving funding to expand enrollment in their graduate level planning programs include: Queen's University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Guelph, York University and University of Waterloo. Students interested in careers in construction and the skilled trades can visit My Career Journey to learn more.
"Investments like this strengthen Durham College's ability to transform lives by preparing career-ready graduates who will help meet Ontario's housing and infrastructure needs," said Dr. Elaine Popp, President of Durham College. "Through future-focused training in skilled trades and construction, we equip them with the skills and experience to thrive building sustainable, connected communities and shaping the province's future."
Ontario's historic $200 billion plan to build requires a strong, highly skilled workforce to make it happen. To meet this demand and protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. tariffs, the government continues to make strategic investments in education and training opportunities to support key sectors and launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades and other in-demand sectors.
Quick Facts
- There are approximately 240 construction-related techniques and technician programs offered at Ontario postsecondary institutions.
- Ontario is home to six universities that offer accredited graduate-level planning programs.
- Ontario has a ten-year, $200 billion infrastructure plan to build homes, highways, hospitals and community infrastructure that is needed to support the province's growth.
- On July 29, the government announced an investment of $260 million to launch the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund, as part of its $2.5 billion investment in SDF to help workers train and upskill for in-demand jobs.
- Since its launch in 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the SDF Training Stream and Capital Stream to help train more than one million workers in sectors like the skilled trades, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
Quotes
"Our government is equipping the next generation of home builders with the skills, training, and support they need to succeed. These future tradespeople and planners will be the driving force behind the homes, communities, and infrastructure that will power Ontario's growth for generations to come."
- Rob Flack, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing
"The next three years will be critical for Ontario's construction industry as more critical infrastructure projects exit the planning phase and enter active construction than ever before. This bold investment will ensure Ontario's construction skilled trades industry is expanded and well-equipped to train the future workforce that will build the subways, highways, long-term care, schools and water infrastructure our province needs for the future."
- Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure
"Our colleges and universities are giving students the skills they need to succeed at the in-demand jobs of today and tomorrow. This $75 million investment will help expand access to training for construction and planning careers in Whitby and other parts of the Region of Durham, ensuring we have the skilled talent needed to support growth, innovation, and opportunity in our communities for decades to come."
- Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby
"Colleges welcome this important and timely investment to continue to build the workforce of the future and prosperity for Ontario. Colleges are the sole regional provider for more than 100 related programs."
- Maureen Adamson, Interim President and CEO, Colleges Ontario
"This investment is an important step in building a stronger, more skilled urban and land use planning workforce for Ontario. By funding up to 300 new seats in university graduate planning programs, more students will receive the vital training they need to shape and grow our local communities. Ontario's universities remain committed to preparing highly skilled graduates who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to build and strengthen Ontario's future."
- Steve Orsini, President and CEO, Council of Ontario Universities
"Indigenous Institutes have a strong history of providing skilled trades education and training that is grounded in Indigenous culture, language, knowledge, and traditions. This investment will help more learners get the knowledge and skills for in-demand construction and carpentry training, leading to good jobs and rewarding careers, and a more prosperous and equitable Ontario."
- Marsha Josephs, Executive Director, Indigenous Institutes Consortium
""As the province moves forward with an ambitious infrastructure agenda, Registered Professional Planners (RPPs) will play a critical role in shaping and guiding the development of key projects. The new investments made today will support the next generation of planners, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the growing demand for professional planning expertise."
- Susan Wiggins, Executive Director, Ontario Professional Planners Institute
"Ontario's continued commitment to building housing and infrastructure hinges on having a strong, skilled workforce. Today's investment is a critical step toward ensuring we have the people in place to deliver on that promise. Expanding training opportunities for careers in construction and land use planning will help address labour shortages across the industry and build the needed capacity so we can keep pace with the demand for new housing across the province. OHBA applauds the government's continued commitment to growing the talent pipeline that is critical to building Ontario's future. "
- Scott Andison, CEO, Ontario Home Builders' Association
"The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) applauds the Ontario Government and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security for its $75 million investment in building the province's construction workforce. For residential and commercial construction, ensuring the pipeline of skilled labour to build much needed homes, workplaces and infrastructure for a growing Ontario is a top priority. This is a bold step to expand access for students to education and training for rewarding careers in skilled trades, which in turn will support the future prosperity and growth needs of the province."
- Dave Wilkes, President and CEO, Building Industry and Land Development Association
"The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers applauds the Ontario government's $75 million investment to expand training across colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes. This funding will give thousands of students from future electricians, welders, carpenters, and renovation specialists to tomorrow's urban and land use planners the skills they need to build the homes, highways, hospitals, and community infrastructure our province depends on. By supporting both the skilled trades and the planning professions, Ontario is strengthening its workforce, creating good-paying careers, and ensuring our communities can grow and thrive for generations to come."
- John Wabb, National Executive Board Chairperson, Canadian Union of Skilled Workers
"Expanding seats in construction trades programs is a major win for Ontario's workforce and youth. More students will now have access to hands-on training and pathways to construction careers in a sector that's essential to our economy. This significant investment strengthens our institutions, supports our members, and helps build the future infrastructure Ontario needs. "
- Michael Gallardo, President and CEO, Merit Ontario
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