WHITBY — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and deliver on an ambitious infrastructure plan, the Ontario government is investing $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students at colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes across the province for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning. This investment will strengthen the province’s pipeline of highly skilled construction workers that are needed to fulfill the government’s ambitious plan to build more homes, highways, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, no matter what comes our way.
“Our government has bold plans to build the Ontario of tomorrow, and it is critical that we have the homegrown, highly skilled workers to get it done,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “From designing roadways to building homes, this investment will ensure our students have the training they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers that protect and strengthen Ontario’s future in the face of economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs.”
This investment will fund up to 7,500 new seats at colleges and Indigenous Institutes for construction programs such as welding, carpentry and renovation techniques. The funding will also support up to 300 new seats for graduate students at universities to train vital urban and land use planners across the province by 2028.
“In the midst of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to strengthen our skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We have an ambitious plan to build Ontario, and by investing in more seats for skills training today, we are protecting the jobs of tomorrow. Each of these additional seats will help ensure Ontario workers can land better jobs with bigger paycheques.”
Colleges receiving funding to expand enrollment in the construction programs starting as early as September 2025 include: Cambrian College, Confederation College, Collège Boréal, La Cité, Centennial College, Durham College, George Brown College, Humber Polytechnic, Conestoga College, Fleming College, Georgian College, Niagara College and Fanshawe College, as well as Kenjgewin Teg, an Indigenous Institute.
Universities receiving funding to expand enrollment in their graduate level planning programs include: Queen’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Guelph, York University and University of Waterloo. Students interested in careers in construction and the skilled trades can visit My Career Journey to learn more.
“Investments like this strengthen Durham College’s ability to transform lives by preparing career-ready graduates who will help meet Ontario’s housing and infrastructure needs,” said Dr. Elaine Popp, President of Durham College. “Through future-focused training in skilled trades and construction, we equip them with the skills and experience to thrive—building sustainable, connected communities and shaping the province’s future.”
Ontario’s historic $200 billion plan to build requires a strong, highly skilled workforce to make it happen. To meet this demand and protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. tariffs, the government continues to make strategic investments in education and training opportunities to support key sectors and launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades and other in-demand sectors.
More information: https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006319/ontario-investing-75-million-to-train-more-students-for-in-demand-jobs-in-construction