HAMILTON, ONT. — The Ontario government is investing an additional $90 million in the Skills Development Fund (SDF) which supports programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find careers close to home.
The third funding round, which opens Sept. 29, is open to anyone who is unemployed or underemployed and will prioritize programs helping people with prior involvement in the criminal justice system, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, Ukrainian newcomers and others facing barriers to employment, indicates a release.
It will also prioritize applications for projects preparing workers for careers in in-demand sectors such as the skilled trades, health care technology and manufacturing.
The previous two rounds of funding delivered 388 training projects and helped more than 393,000 people.
In the last round, the government approved an investment of nearly $500,000 for the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington and Area, which created an entirely new program to connect over 40 previously incarcerated or justice-involved individuals with jobs in Hamilton’s manufacturing sector.
“Thanks to support from the Skills Development Fund and the John Howard Society, I’ve found my dream job and am learning so much about the workplace and myself,” said Colleen Scanlan, John Howard Society’s WorkPath Employment Services program participant, in a statement.
“I’m now earning a great paycheque doing everything from ground maintenance to other little jobs. Through this program, I have found a fantastic employer, where my voice is heard.”
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