Ontario is investing $75 million to train up to 7,800 additional students for in-demand construction and urban planning jobs as the province prepares for economic uncertainty from U.S. tariffs.
The funding will create up to 7,500 new seats at colleges and Indigenous Institutes for construction programs including welding, carpentry and renovation techniques, according to the government. Universities will receive funding for up to 300 new graduate seats to train urban and land use planners by 2028.
“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.
The investment supports the province’s $200 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan to build homes, highways, hospitals and community infrastructure, the government said.
Programs start as early as September
Colleges receiving funding to expand enrollment 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, according to the announcement.
Kenjgewin Teg, an Indigenous Institute, will also receive funding to expand construction programs.
Universities expanding graduate-level planning programs include Queen’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Guelph, York University and University of Waterloo, the government said.
Addressing skilled worker shortage
Labour Minister David Piccini said the investment addresses workforce needs amid global economic uncertainty.
“In the midst of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to strengthen our skilled workforce,” Piccini said. “By investing in more seats for skills training today, we are protecting the jobs of tomorrow.”
The province operates approximately 240 construction-related techniques and technician programs at postsecondary institutions, according to the government. Six universities offer accredited graduate-level planning programs.
Building on previous investments
The announcement builds on Ontario’s broader skills training initiatives. In July, the government announced $260 million for the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund as part of a $2.5 billion investment.
Since 2021, Ontario has invested $1.5 billion through the Skills Development Fund to train more than one million workers, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers, the government said.
Industry support
Construction industry leaders welcomed the investment as addressing critical labour shortages.
“Ontario’s continued commitment to building housing and infrastructure hinges on having a strong, skilled workforce,” said Scott Andison, CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association. “Expanding training opportunities for careers in construction and land use planning will help address labour shortages across the industry.”
Dr. Elaine Popp, President of Durham College, said the investment “strengthens Durham College’s ability to transform lives by preparing career-ready graduates who will help meet Ontario’s housing and infrastructure needs.”
The Canadian Union of Skilled Workers said the funding will help build the workforce needed for critical infrastructure projects entering active construction over the next three years.
