Ontario to Train More Students for Construction Jobs

Funding includes Huron Chamber members Collège Boréal and Fanshawe College

The Ontario government has announced a $75 million investment to train up to 7,800 additional students for in-demand jobs in construction and urban planning, with funding set to benefit two members of the Huron Chamber of Commerce: Collège Boréal and Fanshawe College.

“This kind of investment has particular significance for Huron County,” said Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “Our unemployment rate remains among the lowest in the province, which means that filling open positions is a challenge across many sectors. By training more skilled workers in construction, we not only support housing development that can attract new residents to fill local jobs, but we also strengthen the business infrastructure that underpins our economy.”

The province’s plan will add up to 7,500 seats at colleges and Indigenous Institutes for construction programs such as welding, carpentry, and renovation techniques, along with 300 seats for graduate students at universities studying urban and land use planning.

“Our government has bold plans to build the Ontario of tomorrow, and it is critical that we have the homegrown, highly skilled workers to get it done,” said Nolan Quinn, Minister of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security. “From designing roadways to building homes, this investment will ensure our students have the training they need to launch rewarding, in-demand careers that protect and strengthen Ontario’s future in the face of economic uncertainty caused by U.S. tariffs.”

Implications for Huron County

For Huron County, where the construction sector already plays a vital role in both residential and commercial development, the impact could be significant. A stronger pipeline of skilled tradespeople will help local contractors keep up with demand for new housing, business expansions, and infrastructure improvements. These projects in turn create capacity for other sectors—such as manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism—to grow.

Collège Boréal and Fanshawe College, both Huron Chamber members, are among the institutions receiving funding to expand their construction-related programming as early as September 2025. Their expanded training capacity is expected to benefit not only students from across the province but also those from Huron County who want to build careers close to home.

Provincial Objectives and Local Benefits

The investment is part of Ontario’s broader $200 billion, ten-year infrastructure plan, which includes building homes, highways, hospitals, and other community facilities. The government has framed this initiative as a proactive measure to ensure the province’s workforce is equipped to deliver on these projects despite global economic uncertainty and ongoing U.S. tariffs.

The need for skilled workers is particularly acute in rural regions like Huron County. Employers in the trades face competition for talent from both urban and rural markets, and the scarcity of available housing compounds the challenge. More local workers trained in construction could accelerate housing development, making it easier for employers across all sectors to attract and retain staff.

Support from Stakeholders

“In the midst of U.S. tariffs and global economic uncertainty, it’s more important than ever to strengthen our skilled workforce,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We have an ambitious plan to build Ontario, and by investing in more seats for skills training today, we are protecting the jobs of tomorrow. Each of these additional seats will help ensure Ontario workers can land better jobs with bigger paycheques.”

“Ontario’s continued commitment to building housing and infrastructure hinges on having a strong, skilled workforce,” explains Scott Andison, CEO of the Ontario Home Builders’ Association, “Today’s investment is a critical step toward ensuring we have the people in place to deliver on that promise. Expanding training opportunities for careers in construction and land use planning will help address labour shortages across the industry and build the needed capacity so we can keep pace with the demand for new housing across the province. OHBA applauds the government’s continued commitment to growing the talent pipeline that is critical to building Ontario’s future.”

Broader Economic Context

Huron County’s unemployment rate has consistently been less than half the provincial average, highlighting a persistent labour shortage. The construction industry is both a direct driver of local employment and a key enabler of growth in other sectors. Businesses depend on modern facilities, efficient infrastructure, and adequate housing for their workforce—each of which requires skilled tradespeople and planners.

The expanded training programs at Collège Boréal and Fanshawe College align with local needs by providing pathways into stable, well-paying jobs. For employers, this means a larger pool of qualified candidates, reduced project delays, and more competitive bids for contracts. For residents, it means access to training that can lead to rewarding careers without having to leave the region.

Looking Ahead

With new seats becoming available as early as September 2025, the Huron Chamber of Commerce will monitor how these investments translate into local workforce growth. The Chamber will also continue to advocate for policies and programs that address the unique challenges of rural labour markets, including housing availability, transportation, and broadband connectivity.

“Our role is to ensure that Huron County businesses have the talent, infrastructure, and conditions they need to succeed,” Carmichael said. “This announcement is a positive step toward that goal, and we look forward to seeing the benefits for our members and the broader community.”

The Huron Chamber of Commerce is one of Canada’s fastest growing Chambers, connecting community leaders since 1990. Representing businesses across eight Huron County municipalities, the Chamber focuses on growing the local economy, supporting business success, and strengthening our towns and villages. As an independent, non-profit organization, the Chamber advocates for business and community interests, facilitates collaboration, and convenes stakeholders to develop and support a vibrant and thriving county.