JOBS IN CANADA

TRAINING APPRENTICES IN IN-DEMAND JOBS

Ontario’s In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF) will create up to 4,000 new training seats each year. Image credit: MILAD FAKURIAN on Unsplash.

The Ontario government is investing $64.2 million over the next three years to expand in-class apprenticeship training, helping more apprentices across the province gain the skills they need to land rewarding careers in the skilled trades.

“By expanding access to in-class training and removing barriers, we’re helping more apprentices gain the skills they need for good-paying jobs, while protecting them in the face of US tariffs,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

This investment, through the In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF), will create up to 4,000 new training seats each year, helping apprentices access in-class training faster while covering their $10-per-day Level 1 classroom fees.

As part of a broader strategy to address the need for skilled trades, the Ontario government is also examining ways to increase apprenticeship hiring on publicly funded infrastructure projects and construction sites. In addition, it is working with Skilled Trades Ontario to expand testing, allowing apprentices to book Certificate of Qualification exams at certified testing centres closer to home, choosing the date, time and location that works best for them. This means less travel, less time away from work and more opportunities for apprentices to get certified and advance their careers.

The IEF is part of the $159.3 million commitment announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario to strengthen skilled trades programs. It builds on the government’s broader strategy to train and attract workers for in-demand jobs.

Since 2020, Ontario has invested over $2.1 billion in the skilled trades. This includes investments in skilled trades related projects under the Skills Development Fund Training Stream.

A few quick facts:

The IEF complements other provincial investments, including the $18 million Apprentice Development Benefit, which helps apprentices cover living expenses during full-time in-class training at a minister approved training provider.

New apprenticeship registrations in Ontario increased by over 7.3 per cent to 28,875 in 2024-2025 – the highest in a decade. This includes an increase of over 13.5 per cent to 16,412 among youth aged 15 to 24 in 2024-2025.

About one in eight job openings in Ontario are forecast to be in skilled trades-related occupations by 2029.

One in three workers in Ontario with an apprenticeship certificate as their highest credential are nearing retirement.

The IEF investment adds about $21.4 million per year to the program budget over the next three years, bringing the total IEF budget for 2025-2026 to $146.7 million.