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Skills Ontario supports strong investment by the Ontario Government into the skilled trades through the Skills Development Fund, and other steps outlined in the 2025 Ontario Budget, released today by Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance. “With the threat of U.S tariffs and economic uncertainty, Skills Ontario is pleased to see the continued support for and recognition of skilled trade and technology careers as vital to the province’s economy” said Ian Howcroft, CEO of Skills Ontario.
Skills Ontario also commends the government investment for focusing on retraining, health and safety, and supporting Black and Indigenous youth in entering these fields.
“We are thrilled that strong investment in the skilled trades continues to be a priority with the Ontario government, and we support the budget announced today,” Howcroft continued. “Working together and inspiring the next generation of skilled trade and technology leaders is crucial to our success and future as a province, and we are looking forward to continuing to provide learning opportunities to all Ontarians.”
Skills Ontario applauds the government’s commitment to providing funding to help more Ontarians pursue rewarding careers in skilled trades and technologies, including:
- Investment of an additional $1 billion for the Skills Development Fund.
- Investment of $85 million into the Ontario Automotive Modernization Program (O-AMP) and the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN).
- $1.4 billion in income tax support to Ontario’s manufacturers and processors by 2027–28.
- $2 million investment in 2025–26 to Futurpreneur Canada to help young entrepreneurs.
- An additional $50 million investment into The Better Jobs Ontario program.
- Providing $16.5 million in 2025–26 to the Black Youth Action Plan help Black youth launch and advance their careers in sectors such as the skilled trades, information technology, and automotive industries.
- $3 billion investment in the new Indigenous Opportunities Financing Program (IOFP)