Amidst economic uncertainty and skilled trade shortages, Skills Ontario is
recommending continued investments in skilled trade and technology promotion, training
and programming from the provincial government ahead of the 2026 Budget. Skills
Ontario recognizes and applauds the government’s commitment to the investment it has
made to build our future workforce.
“Ontario’s skilled professionals continue to be critical in keeping our economy, our
healthcare system, and our society operating. We are making a difference in dispelling the
myths and improving the image of skilled professionals thanks to the support and
partnership of the provincial government,” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario.
“Through this work, more people have a far different view of what these essential careers
are and realize how important these skills are.”
Skills Ontario is recommending multi-year commitments to scale up all efforts to
encourage more youth to pursue careers in skilled trades and technologies, including the
following items:
- Funding to aid the development of a permanent Skilled Trades & Tech exploration
facility to highlight careers and provide a training facility for competitors, - Increase support for the Skills Ontario Competition, the largest in the country
- And increase funding for the Skills Development Fund.
Read the rest of the news release here.
