Skills Development Fund to Benefit Over 1,200 People in In-Demand Sectors
The Ontario government is investing more than $500,000 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support two key projects in Brampton. These initiatives will provide free training to over 1,200 internationally-trained jobseekers, equipping them with the skills needed to secure rewarding careers in high-demand fields, while also addressing the needs of local employers.
“As Ontario continues to attract record private sector investments that are creating thousands of new jobs, we’re helping jobseekers and workers develop the skills they need to earn better jobs with bigger paycheques,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By partnering with local employers and community organizations, these projects are helping over 1,200 Brampton residents leverage their international training to land rewarding careers in Brampton’s most in-demand sectors, from construction to healthcare.”
The projects aim to address the province’s labour shortage by connecting Ontario workers with high-paying jobs within their communities. The funding will be allocated to the following organizations:
- Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre: $350,000 to provide job-ready training for internationally-trained newcomers and connect them with local employers to fill in-demand jobs and contribute to their communities.
- Dynacare Gamma Laboratory Partnership: $200,500 to train students to become medical laboratory technologists, thereby bolstering the healthcare sector’s capacity.
“Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre Brampton is grateful to Premier Ford and Minister Piccini for their continued commitment to skills development through the Skills Development Fund. The Sikheya Institute, a project run by our Gurdwara, is dedicated to supporting newcomers with skills training in our community. This crucial funding enables us to enhance our training programs, ensuring a smoother transition for newcomers and connecting them with resources essential to their professional success. We are grateful for the partnership that helps bridge the gap in support services and provides vital opportunities for these individuals to thrive,” said Sulinder Singh, President of Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre Brampton.
“This investment from the Skills Development Fund will provide vital training and create pathways to well-paying jobs in in-demand careers. As we continue to Build Ontario, we must do all we can to ensure that we bridge the gap between skilled workers and local employers so that our local communities can thrive now, and into the future,” said Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton Centre.
Applications are currently open for the government’s fifth round of SDF funding, which began on July 29, 2024. With up to $260 million available, this is the largest funding round since the SDF was launched in 2021. The total investment through the SDF Training Stream now amounts to up to $1.4 billion. As Ontario’s economy continues to grow, the SDF will play a crucial role in ensuring skilled workers are trained and ready to fill rewarding jobs in high-demand sectors within their communities.
“Today’s $500,000 investment into two important training projects is great news for Brampton. By empowering workers, newcomers, and students with the skills they need to earn better paying jobs, our government is committed to building an Ontario that works for everyone,” said Graham McGregor, Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton North.
“Brampton proudly supports Premier Ford and Minister Piccini in announcing the latest round of the Skills Development Fund. This vital initiative demonstrates the Ontario Government’s dedication to advancing industry, apprenticeships, and training for the future skilled workforce, directly benefiting our Brampton community. By investing in these programs, we are fostering growth and opportunity within Brampton and strengthening our city’s role in Ontario’s economic landscape. We look forward to continuing our partnership to build a brighter future for Brampton and all of Ontario,” said Harkirat Singh, Deputy Mayor of the City of Brampton.
“Today’s investment is a win-win for Brampton jobseekers, employers, and our economy. By equipping internationally trained newcomers and students with the skills they need to succeed in in-demand fields, we’re building a stronger community for everyone,” said Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria, Minister of Transportation and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton South.
“At the City of Brampton, we welcome the incredible opportunities that will be created by our Provincial partners through the Skills Development Fund. Brampton has seen unprecedented economic growth in the past few years, and our skills talent has been the number one factor in attracting major investments in our city. As the various industries flourish and grow, this Fund will unlock opportunities for more of our residents to join the workforce and narrow the labour gap. We are committed to working with the Government of Ontario in funding a sustainable talent pipeline,” said Gurpartap Singh Toor, Councillor & Chair of Economic Development for the City of Brampton.
“Thank you to the Government of Ontario for this investment in job creation and skills development in the skilled workforce in Brampton. This is an investment in Brampton that will bolster opportunities for youth. It’s great to see our provincial government support organizations like Sikheya Institute that provide mentorship opportunities, workshops and support to students trying to find their vocation,” said Navjit Kaur Brar, Councillor for the City of Brampton.
“As Ontario continues to grow, we’re thrilled to announce the fifth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) with up to $260 million in available funding—the largest since the Fund launched in 2021. This brings our total investment through the SDF Training Stream to an impressive $1.4 billion. The SDF is pivotal in ensuring that our skilled workers are trained and ready to fill rewarding jobs in in-demand sectors across our communities. The Government of Ontario is excited to highlight projects like the partnerships with Sri Guru Nanak Sikh Centre, which received $350,000 to provide job-ready training to internationally trained newcomers and connect them with local employers. Additionally, Dynacare Gamma Laboratory has received $200,500 to train students to become medical laboratory technologists, supporting our health system’s capacity,” said Amarjot Sandhu, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton West.