On May 15th, the Government of Ontario released its 2025 budget, in which Premier Doug Ford and Minister David Piccini continue to prioritize investment in the skilled trades. The budget includes substantial funding for construction training initiatives across the province.
A key highlight is the government’s commitment to expand the In-Class Enhancement Fund by an additional $159.3 million over the next three years. This funding will bolster the capacity of Training Delivery Agents (TDAs) across Ontario by creating 2,600 additional seats annually in construction post-secondary programs, increasing access for apprentices to complete their apprenticeship program in-house at one of our many TDAs across Ontario. As the largest provider of carpentry training – representing approximately 80% of carpentry apprentices in Canada – the UBC will be positioned to benefit from this allocation.
The budget also announced a $1 billion increase to the Skills Development Fund (SDF), which aims to drive economic growth in key sectors such as technology, manufacturing, and the skilled trades. The Skills Development Fund has already provided funding for UBC training programs, facility upgrades, and wrap-around supports for members. As a leader in workforce development in the skilled trades, the CRC looks forward to building off our success to date with renewed investment in SDF.
The Carpenters’ Regional Council welcomes the Ontario government’s ongoing commitment to the skilled trades. We are proud to be a partner in shaping a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce for the province.
