Ontario Supporting Workers Get Training and Land Jobs in Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill
August 18, 2025
Government investing $3.8 million to help 330 people gain the skills needed to work in technical services.
AURORA-OAK RIDGES-RICHMOND HILL — The Ontario government is investing $3.8 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support 330 people in Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in technical services. This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs. This investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment to promote better training, better jobs, with bigger paycheques.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”
In partnership with Protexxa Inc., the EarthQUAICS Initiative will provide 330 workers with recruitment, training and upskilling opportunities for roles in technical services.
“By expanding the Skills Development Fund to $2.5 billion, our government is strengthening Ontario’s workforce and helping more people get the skills they need for better jobs and brighter futures,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “That’s why I’m proud to share that the EarthQUAICS Initiative, led by Protexxa Inc., is receiving a $3.8 million investment to recruit, train, and upskill 330 workers for in-demand roles in technical services. This is a win for both our economy and for Ontarians who will obtain lasting careers through this opportunity.”
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.
Quick Facts
- So far, the Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.
- Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total investment in the SDF to $2.5 billion.
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