TORONTO — Through two different funding streams the Ontario government is providing $11.8 million for various programs and initiatives that support women and Indigenous skills training.
Through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) the government is investing more than $8.6 million to help more than 1,700 women across the GTA access training in the skilled trades.
The following six organizations are on the receiving end of government dollars:
- IBEW 353 in North York, is receiving more than $2.3 million to expand the Pathway Program for Women & Indigenous Pre-Apprentices.
- Enercare Home Services is receiving $186,170 to deliver eight bootcamps across York Region for 240 young women in Grades 7 to 12. Each bootcamp will provide transportation, tools, safety equipment and educational materials, while offering hands-on experience and mentorship in electrical, plumbing and HVAC.
- Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto is receiving $2.5 million to provide racialized immigrant and refugee women with skills development training in project management, digital literacy and non-profit management.
- Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario is receiving $756,252 to support women in the skilled trades, by developing and delivering information sessions, courses in financial wellness and construction writing. Participants will receive in-person and online training for 40 weeks and be introduced to employers for jobs in the construction trades.
- Brands for Canada is receiving $491,000 to empower young women to enter skilled trades jobs in the manufacturing sector through individualized and comprehensive training workshops, virtual modules mentorship programs and industry placements.
- The Career Foundation’s A Women’s Work is receiving $2.39 million to train 260 women for in-demand careers in the skilled trades. Participants will receive hands-on training in areas such as tiling, drywall, framing, painting and roofing, along with comprehensive wraparound supports, including mentorship, self-esteem workshops and gender-focused training.
The government is also investing $3.2 million to launch the next intake of funding applications under the Indigenous Economic Development Fund (IEDF).
Past projects supported by the fund include a trades training program led by Anishinabek Employment and Training Services and a tourism development initiative in Atikameksheng Anishnawbek, explains a release.
Applications are open until Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. and must be submitted through Transfer Payment Ontario. Interested applicants are required to register with Transfer Payment Ontario to apply and manage their funding requests.
The IEDF provides funding to support economic development and improve access to Indigenous-led employment and training opportunities.
