Ontario investing $3M to train auto workers in face of tariffs

The Ontario government is investing up to $3 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to train workers in the automotive trades. The investment in the Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) will support better jobs and bigger paycheques in the automotive trades sector across the province while defending Ontario’s economy in the face of U.S tariffs.

“Ontario’s automotive sector is second to none and it depends on the hardworking workers who make it possible,” said Premier Doug Ford. “We’re investing to support workers and new careers in this critical industry in the face of tariffs from President Trump, just like we’re standing up for workers across the province, no matter what.”

The investment will support three AIA Canada projects that will equip automotive tradespeople in Ontario with the skills required to diagnose and repair modern vehicles, keeping Ontario’s cars on the road safely and reliably, including:

The Electric Vehicle (EV), Hybrid, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) Technologies training program is preparing technicians across Ontario to provide maintenance and repair service to the wide variety of cars now coming into their shops.

The Exploration of the Automotive Trades Training Program aims to attract jobseekers to a career in the automotive trades. Upon completion, program participants are well positioned to find an employer sponsor to pursue an apprenticeship.

The Plug’n Drive Training Session will give participants from both programs mentioned above a training session on non-technical matters and consumer information to better understand the expectations and needs of EV owners.

This funding builds previous SDF Training Stream investments to AIA Canada and will expand the total number of opportunities for new and current tradespeople to 450 and help them gain new skills in the automotive sector.

“Our government has made historic investments in our workforce and this funding will help us continue to protect workers at a critical time for our province,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “We will do everything we can to defend against economic threats while reinforcing long-term economic productivity and good-paying jobs. By prioritizing investments in training, we are standing up for Ontario’s workers, their families, businesses and communities.”

“Today’s investment through the Skills Development Fund is a prime example of the actions our government is taking to protect Ontario jobs and workers across priority industries, including our automotive industry,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we will continue to stand up for Ontario auto workers and make sure they have the skills and training they need to succeed.”