How much funding can be received?

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream provides funding for innovative projects that address challenges in hiring, training, or retaining workers in Ontario. This program aims to create a sustainable and resilient workforce by focusing on sectors experiencing labor shortages, and by supporting marginalized groups facing employment barriers. Eligible activities include projects that foster workforce development, capacity building, and support for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and construction.

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The Skills Development Fund Training Stream supports projects that address labor shortages and stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy, aiming to build a sustainable and resilient workforce. Eligible activities focus on hiring, training, and retaining workers, particularly targeting those facing employment barriers.

Projects addressing labor shortages in key sectors
Initiatives stimulating economic growth
Activities increasing long-term economic competitiveness
Programs supporting workforce sustainability and resilience
Training for individuals with barriers to employment (e.g., prior involvement in the criminal justice system, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples)
Partnership-driven innovative ideas and training solutions
Support for in-demand sectors like manufacturing, technology, and construction

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The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream offers funding to organizations for innovative projects that address challenges to hiring, training, or retaining workers to drive Ontario's economic growth. Eligibility criteria include specific types of eligible organizations and project requirements.

Employers in Ontario, other than specific educational organizations
Minister-approved non-college apprenticeship training delivery agents (TDAs)
Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders
Professional/industry/employer associations
Trade unions or union affiliated organizations
Municipalities, District Social Services Administration Boards, Consolidated Municipal Service Managers, hospitals
District school boards (as co-applicant)
Publicly assisted colleges, universities, or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario (as co-applicant)
Career colleges registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005 (as co-applicant)

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Eligible companies for the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream in Ontario can apply for funding to address challenges in hiring, training, and retaining workers to drive economic growth. Here is a list of the eligible types of organizations:

Employers in Ontario (excluding certain educational organizations)
Minister-approved non-college apprenticeship training delivery agents (TDAs)
Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders
Professional/industry/employer associations
Trade unions or union-affiliated organizations
Municipalities
District Social Services Administration Boards
Consolidated Municipal Service Managers
Hospitals

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There are specific types of educational organizations that are not eligible to apply alone for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream grant. However, they can apply as co-applicants with eligible organizations.

District school boards
Publicly assisted colleges, universities, or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario
Career colleges registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

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This grant is eligible for organizations based in Ontario, Canada. Specifically, it targets a variety of sectors within the region.

Employers in Ontario
Minister-approved non-college apprenticeship training delivery agents (TDAs)
Non-profit organizations, including Indigenous Band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders
Professional/industry/employer associations
Trade unions or union affiliated organizations
Municipalities, District Social Services Administration Boards, Consolidated Municipal Service Managers, hospitals
As co-applicants: district school boards, publicly assisted colleges, universities or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario, and career colleges registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005

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Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream grant. Applications will be assessed based on transparent, consistent, and measurable evaluation criteria outlined in the SDF Training Stream application guideline.

Support and help develop a resilient workforce by supporting access into the labour market, and/or retention and capacity-building for employers
Encourage partnerships across the economy and support innovative ideas and training solutions
Support in-demand sectors that align with core government objectives such as manufacturing, technology, and construction labour to support increasing the housing supply in the province

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Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Ensure your organization is eligible to apply by reviewing the list of eligible entities such as employers in Ontario, non-college apprenticeship training delivery agents, non-profit organizations, trade unions, municipalities, and more.
If applicable, identify potential co-applicants from district school boards, publicly assisted colleges, universities, or Indigenous Institutes in Ontario.
Step 2: Review Project Requirements
Ensure your project supports and helps develop a resilient workforce by facilitating access to the labour market, retention, and capacity-building for employers.
Check that your project encourages partnerships across the economy and supports innovative ideas and training solutions.
Ensure your project aligns with in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and construction that support government objectives.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Gather all necessary documents and information required for the application as outlined in the application guideline.
Develop a comprehensive project plan that addresses the criteria and objectives of the SDF Training Stream.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit your application through Transfer Payment Ontario by the deadline of October 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., EDT.
Step 5: Await Notification
Wait for notification from the grant administrators on whether your application was successful or unsuccessful. Notifications are given on a rolling basis.
Step 6: Implement the Project (If Successful)
If your application is successful, start implementing your project as per the approved plan.

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The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream supports innovative projects addressing workforce challenges in Ontario through a specified set of criteria and requirements.

Funding can support projects that stimulate growth in key sectors.
Emphasis is on creating a sustainable and resilient workforce.
The fund also aids individuals facing barriers to employment, such as those with prior involvement in the criminal justice system or those with disabilities.
The capital stream is available to build and upgrade training facilities.
Eligibility is expanded to include a diverse array of entities, including non-profits, trade unions, and municipalities.
Collaborations with educational organizations are permitted under co-applicant rules.
Applications must align with core government objectives like manufacturing, technology, and housing supply.
Funding decisions are based on clear and measurable criteria.

Apply to this program

Summary of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream provides funding for organizations to create innovative projects that address hiring, training, and retention challenges in Ontario’s workforce. This initiative aims to stimulate economic growth, support in-demand sectors, and help people facing employment barriers.

Comprehensive Guide to the Skills Development Fund Training Stream

The Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream is a crucial initiative launched by the Ontario government with the goal of addressing the multifaceted challenges of hiring, training, and retaining a skilled workforce. This fund is designed to stimulate growth in key sectors of Ontario’s economy, fostering a sustainable and resilient workforce. In this article, we will explore the intricate details of the SDF Training Stream, including eligibility criteria, project requirements, application process, and the potential impact on Ontario’s economic landscape.

Understanding the Purpose of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream

The essence of the SDF Training Stream is to bolster Ontario’s economic growth by creating innovative projects that tackle labor market challenges. It seeks to:

Address Labor Shortages: By focusing on sectors facing critical labor shortages, the fund aims to fill these gaps with adequately trained professionals.
Stimulate Economic Growth: The fund targets key economic sectors that are integral to Ontario’s development, ensuring long-term competitive advantages.
Support Marginalized Communities: The fund is inclusive, offering support for people with prior justice system involvement, racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, individuals with disabilities, and others facing employment barriers.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility for the SDF Training Stream is broad, yet specific to certain types of organizations:

Employers in Ontario: Except for the educational organizations specified below.
Minister-Approved Non-College Apprenticeship Training Delivery Agents (TDAs): Organizations approved by the minister for apprenticeship training.
Non-Profit Organizations: Including Indigenous Band offices and Indigenous Skills and Employment Training agreement holders.
Professional/Industry/Employer Associations: Organizations representing various industries or employers.
Trade Unions or Union Affiliated Organizations: Labor groups involved in workforce development.
Municipalities and Related Entities: Including District Social Services Administration Boards, Consolidated Municipal Service Managers, and hospitals.
Co-Applicants: District school boards, publicly assisted colleges, universities, Indigenous Institutes, and career colleges registered under the Ontario Career Colleges Act, 2005, are eligible to apply as co-applicants with the organizations listed above.

Project Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

Successful applications must demonstrate how their projects will:

Support Workforce Development: Provide access to the labor market, retention strategies, and capacity-building for employers.
Encourage Cross-Sector Partnerships: Foster collaboration across different sectors of the economy, promoting innovative training solutions.
Align with Government Priorities: Support in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and construction, particularly those contributing to increasing Ontario’s housing supply.

Applications will be evaluated based on transparent, consistent, and measurable criteria detailed in the SDF Training Stream application guideline. This ensures a fair assessment process and selects projects that best align with the fund’s objectives.

How to Apply for the Skills Development Fund Training Stream

Applying for the SDF Training Stream involves several key steps:

Review the Application Guideline: Thoroughly read the guideline to understand all eligibility criteria and project requirements.
Prepare Your Application: Gather all necessary documentation and details about your proposed project. Clearly articulate how your project addresses the fund’s objectives.
Submit Through Transfer Payment Ontario: Applications must be submitted via the Transfer Payment Ontario platform by October 4, 2024, at 11:59 p.m., EDT.
Notification: All applicants will be notified whether their application is successful or not on a rolling basis.

Potential Impact of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream

The SDF Training Stream is anticipated to have far-reaching effects on Ontario’s economy and workforce development:

Economic Growth: By addressing labor shortages and fostering innovation in key sectors, the fund supports sustainable economic expansion.
Workforce Resilience: Projects funded under this stream will help build a resilient workforce capable of adapting to economic shifts and market demands.
Inclusivity and Equity: The fund’s support for marginalized communities ensures a more inclusive and equitable labor market, providing opportunities for those who face significant employment barriers.
Sectoral Development: Targeted support for in-demand sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and construction will address critical needs, contributing to provincial priorities like housing supply.

Conclusion

The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is a pivotal initiative by the Ontario government aimed at solving critical issues in the labor market while propelling economic growth. By funding innovative projects that address hiring, training, and retention challenges, the fund is poised to create a sustainable and resilient workforce that can meet the demands of Ontario’s evolving economy. For eligible organizations, this represents a significant opportunity to contribute to the province’s economic development while addressing key workforce challenges. Ensure your application is comprehensive and aligns with the fund’s objectives to maximize your chances of success.