The Ontario government has announced over $2.2 million in new provincial funding to expand apprenticeship training opportunities for women, youth, and other aspiring tradespeople in Windsor. The investment, revealed Tuesday, aims to address a projected shortage of more than 400,000 skilled trades workers in the province over the next decade.
Funding breakdown and organizations supported
The funding will be distributed through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to three local organizations. Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) will receive more than $1.56 million to train 60 women for careers as industrial construction electricians, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics, sheet metal workers, and cement finishers.
St. Clair College will receive more than $641,000, including $291,065 to train 20 participants—primarily youth and other underrepresented groups—for careers in tool and die making. Additionally, $350,000 will be used to modernize the college’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining equipment with industry-standard technology.
The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers will receive $53,720 to purchase robotic surveying and monitoring equipment for apprentice training.
Impact on Windsor’s workforce and economy
According to the province, Ontario will need more than 400,000 workers to fill skilled trades-related job openings over the next decade due to retirements and employment growth. Nearly 75,000 of those openings are expected in the construction sector alone. The funding is part of a broader provincial effort to address skilled labour shortages while supporting major infrastructure and housing projects.
“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.”
Mayor Drew Dilkens emphasized the importance of a highly skilled workforce for Windsor’s economy. “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,” he said.
Broader context and future outlook
The investment is expected to prepare about 80 people for high-demand skilled trades careers while upgrading training equipment. The province noted that one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be in a skilled trades-related occupation by 2024. This funding aims to ensure that Windsor residents have access to the training needed to fill these positions, supporting both local economic growth and provincial infrastructure goals.
