The Minister of Labour, Immigration and Skills Development was joined by Skills Ontario representatives at St. Clair College Tuesday to announce $2.2 million to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize skilled trades training in Windsor.
During an announcement at St. Clair College on July 7, 2026, Minister David Piccini said the province is supporting three organizations that will help 80 people prepare for in-demand careers in the skilled trades and ensure students train with the modern equipment and technology used on today's jobsites. The funding will be provided through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program and the Apprenticeship Capital Grant.
“Ontario's future depends on having the skilled workers needed to build it," said Piccini, the 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.”
“By investing in hands-on apprenticeship training, modern equipment and pathways into in-demand careers, we are helping more people, including women, youth and other underrepresented groups, develop the skills employers need while strengthening Ontario's workforce for the future.”
The three organizations funded include:
- Women's Enterprise Skills Training (WEST) of Windsor is receiving more than $1.56 million through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 60 women for careers in the industrial electrician, electrician construction and maintenance, refrigeration and air conditioning, sheet metal and cement finishing trades, helping expand opportunities for women in high-demand construction careers.
- St. Clair College is receiving more than $641,000 to expand skilled trades training, including $291,065 through the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program to train 20 participants, primarily youth and other underrepresented groups, for careers in tool and die making, as well as $350,000 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to upgrade Computer Numerical Control machining equipment and controls with modern, industry-standard technology.
- The International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers is receiving $53,720 through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant to purchase robotic surveying and monitoring technology, giving apprentices hands-on experience with advanced technology used across Ontario's construction industry.
According to a release from the Province of Ontario, these investments will expand access to apprenticeship training while ensuring training providers have the facilities and equipment needed to prepare apprentices for careers in high-demand sectors including construction, manufacturing and industrial trades.
"In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is training the next generation of skilled trades workers to build a stronger, more self-reliant Ontario,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “Through this investment, we are ensuring that apprentices at St. Clair College have the modern tools and equipment they need to get good-paying skilled trade jobs that protect Ontario."
Over the next decade, Ontario is expected to need over 400,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations, across all sectors, due to expected retirements and job growth.
"St. Clair College thanks the Ontario government for this significant investment in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training,” said Michael Silvaggi, President of St. Clair College. “By supporting modern equipment upgrades and expanding training opportunities for youth and other underrepresented groups, this funding strengthens our local workforce and helps meet the growing needs of the automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors.”
“At St. Clair College, Start Here, Go Anywhere is more than a slogan — it reflects our commitment to providing hands-on learning that prepares students for meaningful careers and supports the continued growth of our community," President Silvaggi added.
Recently, the Ontario government announced $1.7 billion to fund 70,000 more seats for in-demand programs at publicly assisted colleges and universities, including skilled trades.
Today’s funding announcement was accompanied by the launch of the Apprentice Toolkit, a new resource designed to support apprentices as they navigate their entire apprenticeship journey. During the event, about 40 students from Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor’s Pre-Apprenticeship program at St. Clair College were able to ask questions of the Minister and Skilled Trades Ontario representatives, and to discuss pathways into the trades, government and sector support for apprentices, and discover the practical resources available through the toolkit.
"We appreciate the Ontario government’s continued investment in skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities, which are critical to building Ontario’s future skilled trades workforce,” said Candice White, CEO and Registrar, Skilled Trades Ontario. “At Skilled Trades Ontario, we are proud to support pathways that connect talented individuals with meaningful opportunities while helping meet the growing demand for skilled workers across the province."
The toolkit is designed to provide clear, assessable resources to support careers in the skilled trades, improve awareness of available tools for career success and simplify the apprenticeship journey to increase confidence among new entrants to the skilled trades.
"WEST has been opening doors for women to succeed in the skilled trades, proving that when barriers are removed, talent thrives,” said Rose Anguiano Hurst, Executive Director of Women’s Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST). “With support from St. Clair College, labour unions and the Government of Ontario, this training investment will empower 60 more women to build rewarding careers while helping employers access the skilled workforce they need.”
“By expanding opportunities in industries where women have long been underrepresented, we are strengthening Ontario's economy, building more inclusive workplaces and ensuring the people constructing our province's future truly reflect the communities they serve,” Anguiano Hurst said.
