Applications are now open for the Ontario government’s new two-year $115 million Skills Development Fund. The fund, which will support workers and apprentices, is specifically designed to address the challenges brought on by COVID-19 and help reduce obstacles to hiring, training and retaining while preparing workers for the province’s economic recovery.

The Skills Development Fund will accept applications from a wide range of employment and training organizations in Ontario.

Funded projects could include:

• Purchasing virtual reality simulators and the latest industry equipment to help train the next generation of tradespeople
• Enhancing the recruitment and training of personal support workers to care for our vulnerable
• Empowering those from disadvantaged communities through mentorship or trades programming for underrepresented groups and women
• Providing learning and work experience in in-demand tech careers like coding and computer programming for hospitality and service workers who have lost their jobs

Applicants, including employers, apprenticeship training delivery agents, unions, post-secondary institutions, community organizations and others, can now submit proposals for funding until February 28, 2021.

News Release

English: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60246/applications-open-for-ontarios-new-skills-development-fund

French: https://news.ontario.ca/fr/release/60247/la-periode-de-candidature-est-ouverte-pour-le-nouveau-fonds-pour-le-developpement-des-competences-de

(Photo from photo library 2019)