A new program from Skills Ontario is part of a major funding announcement from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training & Skills Development (MLITSD) via the Skills Development Fund (SDF).

Skills Ontario is receiving almost $1.2 million for a new program part of it’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Initiatives called the Trade Up, Move Up Program.

The Trade Up, Move Up Program will support 250 individuals looking to enter the skilled trades. Participants in this program will receive training, employment, and wrap around support from case workers. This program will run in six major communities across Ontario, including the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Windsor, and Sault Ste. Marie.

“The Trade Up, Move Up Program will help folks across Ontario realize as much success as possible in the skilled trades. Skills Ontario is proud to offer this program which is helping to change lives and inspire leaders through the skilled trades and technologies,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario. “We thank the Government of Ontario, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, & Skills Development for supporting this initiative through the Skills Development Fund.”

Skills Ontario is one of several organizations chosen as recipients for the latest round of SDF funding resulting in $9.8 million being invested into six training programs to help about 1,150 workers and jobseekers access training and prepare for careers across different major Canadian industries, including the skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, transportation and emerging technologies. The SDF announcement took place at the Ottawa YMCA Power of Trades Development Centre.