On Oct. 15, the Ontario government announced an investment of $64.2 million over the next three years to expand in-class apprenticeship training, to help additional apprentices across the province gain the skills required to land careers in the skilled trades.
“We need to keep building, no matter what global challenges come our way, to deliver on our $200 billion plan to build more infrastructure like highways, hospitals and schools,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By expanding access to in-class training and removing barriers, we’re helping more apprentices gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs, while protecting them in the face of U.S. tariffs.”
This investment, through the In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF), will create up to 4,000 new training seats each year, and help apprentices access in-class training more quickly while covering their $10-per-day Level 1 classroom fees.
“Whether it is schools, highways, or hospitals, our province’s skilled trades workers are building the critical infrastructure that strengthens our communities and protects Ontario,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that apprentices get the education, training and skills they need to get rewarding, good-paying jobs that will build the Ontario of tomorrow.”
The Ontario government is also examining ways to increase apprenticeship hiring on publicly funded infrastructure projects and construction sites, as part of a broader strategy to address the need for skilled trades.
The government is also working with Skilled Trades Ontario to expand testing. This will allow apprentices to book Certificate of Qualification exams at certified testing centres closer to home, and enable them to choose the date, time and location that works best for them.
“This investment is exactly what Ontario’s skilled trades workforce needs right now,” said Marc Arsenault, business manager and secretary treasurer, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario. “Expanding in-class training capacity means more apprentices can start and finish their programs on time, with fewer financial and logistical barriers. It’s a smart, practical step that ensures major infrastructure projects are built by a well-trained, local workforce. Our members are ready to build Ontario’s future, and this kind of support helps get them on the tools faster and safer.”
The IEF is part of the $159.3 million commitment announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario to strengthen skilled trades programs. It also builds on the government’s broader strategy to train and attract workers for in-demand jobs.
Since 2020, Ontario has invested more than $2.1 billion in the skilled trades. This includes investments in skilled trades related projects under the Skills Development Fund Training Stream.