The Ontario government has announced the launch of the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, committing another $260 million to projects that support the hiring, training, and upskilling of workers in sectors such as manufacturing, health care, construction, automotive, and the skilled trades.

This round of funding comes at a critical time for employers in Huron County. Our region continues to experience the lowest unemployment rates in southern Ontario which presents a challenge for local businesses struggling to find and retain the skilled employees they need to grow.

“Employers across Huron County are telling us the same thing: the number one constraint on growth is access to a skilled workforce,” says Colin Carmichael, Executive Director of the Huron Chamber of Commerce. “Our unemployment rate is consistently among the lowest in Ontario, which means local businesses need more tools to skill up the workers who are here and attract new talent to our communities. Investments like the Skills Development Fund help employers meet these challenges and keep Huron County competitive.”

“Our government is protecting Ontario by training the workers we need to keep building, no matter what global challenges come our way. Through this $260 million investment in the Skills Development Fund, we’re funding results-driven training to build the strong workforce we need to support workers and their families and keep building Ontario’s economy.”

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Why it Matters for Huron County

The Skills Development Fund is designed to support projects that address real, on-the-ground challenges faced by employers—like the ones we see every day in Huron County. With labour shortages hitting sectors from health care to manufacturing, and continued demand for skilled trades, this funding can help local employers create and expand training initiatives that build the workforce our region needs. For our members, this is a practical opportunity to access government support to attract and upskill workers, address skills gaps, and ensure businesses can continue to grow, even in a tight labour market.

Huron County’s employers face unique workforce challenges—and this funding offers a practical way to address them. We encourage all eligible organizations to consider how the Skills Development Fund could support your hiring and training efforts. As always, the Huron Chamber of Commerce is here to connect community leaders and help you navigate new opportunities.

Your Guide: Accessing the Skills Development Fund

If your organization is looking to hire, train, or upskill employees, or you have ideas for a project that could strengthen the local workforce, here’s how to access this new round of Skills Development Fund support:

Who Can Apply

  • Employers in Ontario
  • Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders
  • Professional, industry, or employer associations
  • Trade unions or union-affiliated organizations
  • Municipalities and service managers
  • Hospitals

Eligible education partners (school boards, publicly assisted colleges, universities, career colleges) may apply as co-applicants.

What Types of Projects are Supported

  • Projects that address hiring, training, or retention challenges—especially in sectors facing labour shortages (like health care, skilled trades, manufacturing, and construction)
  • Initiatives to attract, train, and retain workers or apprentices
  • Collaborative training partnerships to build local capacity and address regional demands
  • Capital investments to upgrade or expand training facilities (under the SDF Capital Stream)

How to Apply

  • Applications must clearly show how the project meets occupational and regional workforce needs, and supports in-demand or key growth sectors
  • Applications are submitted online via Transfer Payment Ontario
  • Deadline to apply: October 1, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EDT

Need Help?

  • For more information, download the full application guidelines from the Ontario government website
  • Members of the Huron Chamber of Commerce can contact us with questions or for assistance connecting with potential partners

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.