Ontario Investing $2.2 Million to Expand Access to Apprenticeship Training in Windsor
Provincial funding will support three organizations to modernize training facilities and prepare more women and youth for in-demand careers in the skilled trades
July 07, 2026
Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
WINDSOR — The Ontario government is investing more than $2.2 million to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize skilled trades training in Windsor. Through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, the province is supporting three organizations that will help 80 people prepare for in-demand careers in the skilled trades and ensure students train with the modern equipment and technology used on today’s jobsites. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, the province is helping more workers gain the skills needed to land rewarding careers in the skilled trades and ensure Ontario has the workforce it needs to build the homes, highways, hospitals, schools and critical infrastructure that the province needs.
“Ontario’s future depends on having the skilled workers needed to build it,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Our government is taking action by expanding opportunities for people in Windsor to start rewarding careers in the skilled trades. By investing in hands-on apprenticeship training, modern equipment and pathways into in-demand careers, we are helping more people, including women, youth and other underrepresented groups, develop the skills employers need while strengthening Ontario’s workforce for the future.”
The three organizations funded today include:
- Women’s Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) of Windsor is receiving more than $1.56 million through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 60 women for careers in the industrial electrician, electrician construction and maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, sheet metal and cement finishing trades, helping expand opportunities for women in high-demand construction careers.
- St. Clair College is receiving more than $641,000 to expand skilled trades training, including $291,065 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 20 participants, primarily youth and other underrepresented groups, for careers in tool and die making, as well as $350,000 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to upgrade Computer Numerical Control machining equipment and controls with modern, industry-standard technology.
- The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers is receiving $53,720 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to purchase robotic surveying and monitoring technology, giving apprentices hands-on experience with advanced technology used across Ontario’s construction industry.
Together, these investments will expand access to apprenticeship training while ensuring training providers have the facilities and equipment needed to prepare apprentices for careers in high-demand sectors including construction, manufacturing and industrial trades.
Modernizing facilities and expanding access to the skilled trades is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by building a highly skilled workforce ready to meet growing demand and keep Ontario resilient into the future. Through its $236 billion plan to build, the government is delivering critical infrastructure projects that communities rely on while connecting more people to stable, good-paying careers.
Quick Facts
- Over the next decade, Ontario is expected to need over 400,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations, across all sectors, due to retirements and job growth.
- The present Apprenticeship Capital Grant and Pre-Apprenticeship program funding is at record levels since the programs began.
- By 2034, about 1 in 6 job openings in Ontario are expected to be in a skilled trades-related occupation.
- In the construction sector alone, Ontario is expected to need nearly 75,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations due to retirements and job growth.
- Through Budget 2025, the Ontario government invested $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.
- Recently, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades. This is part of the government’s new long-term funding model, which will bring $6.4 billion to our colleges, universities, and Indigenous Institutes.
- The Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and Apprenticeship Capital Grants are supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is training the next generation of skilled trades workers to build a stronger, more self-reliant Ontario. Through this investment, we are ensuring that apprentices at St. Clair College have the modern tools and equipment they need to get good-paying skilled trade jobs that protect Ontario.”
– The Honourable Nolan Quinn
Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security
“We appreciate the Ontario government’s continued investment in skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities, which are critical to building Ontario’s future skilled trades workforce. These projects in Windsor–Essex will help more people, particularly women, youth and other underrepresented groups, gain the practical experience, confidence and industry-recognized skills needed to begin rewarding careers in the trades. At Skilled Trades Ontario, we are proud to support pathways that connect talented individuals with meaningful opportunities while helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers across the province.”
– Candice White
CEO & Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario
“Windsor has built its reputation on the strength of its highly skilled workforce and investments like these help ensure that legacy continues for the next generation. By expanding pre-apprenticeship opportunities and modernizing training facilities, the Province is helping more people gain the skills needed to secure rewarding careers while providing local employers with the talent they need to grow. A strong pipeline of skilled workers is one of our greatest competitive advantages, helping Windsor-Essex attract new investment, create high-quality jobs and strengthen our position as the Automotive and Automobility Capital of Canada. I thank Ministers Quinn and Piccini, MPPs Dowie and Leardi, Premier Ford and the Ontario Government for this significant investment in Windsor-Essex and I congratulate Women’s Enterprise Skills Training, St. Clair College and the Iron Workers for their continued leadership in preparing the workforce that will help build our community, protect our future and drive Ontario’s economy forward.”
– Drew Dilkens
Mayor of Windsor
“When you have a skilled trade, you have a job for life. As one of Ontario’s manufacturing hubs, Essex depends on a strong pipeline of skilled workers to keep our economy growing. By expanding apprenticeship opportunities and equipping workers with modern tools and training, we’re helping the next generation build rewarding careers while giving local employers the talent they need to succeed.”
– Anthony Leardi
Member of Provincial Parliament for Essex
“This investment by the Government of Ontario will strengthen our workforce in Windsor–Essex and create new opportunities to enter the skilled trades. By expanding hands-on training and modernizing equipment, we’re helping workers gain the skills they need for rewarding careers while supporting our region’s long-term economic growth.”
– Andrew Dowie
Member of Provincial Parliament for Windsor—Tecumseh
“St. Clair College thanks the Ontario government for this significant investment in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training. By supporting modern equipment upgrades and expanding training opportunities for youth and other underrepresented groups, this funding strengthens our local workforce and helps meet the growing needs of the automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors. At St. Clair College, Start Here, Go Anywhere is more than a slogan — it reflects our commitment to providing hands-on learning that prepares students for meaningful careers and supports the continued growth of our community.”
– Michael Silvaggi
President, St. Clair College
“WEST has been opening doors for women to succeed in the skilled trades, proving that when barriers are removed, talent thrives. With support from St. Clair College, labour unions and the Government of Ontario, this training investment will empower 60 more women to build rewarding careers while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need. By expanding opportunities in industries where women have long been underrepresented, we are strengthening Ontario’s economy, building more inclusive workplaces and ensuring the people constructing our province’s future truly reflect the communities they serve.”
– Rose Anguiano Hurst
Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST)
“I would like to thank Minister Piccini and the Ontario Government for understanding the costs associated with training a highly skilled workforce. The technology in construction is evolving faster than ever and we appreciate the support to give us the tools needed to train a more advanced and efficient workforce.”
– Randy Dare
Business Manager, Financial Secretary & Treasurer, The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers
