Ontario Investing $2.2M to Train More Students at Confederation College for In-demand Jobs in Construction
November 14, 2025
Investment will train up to 267 more students in skilled trades and urban planning to build a strong workforce in the face of U.S. tariffs
November 14th 2025
THUNDER BAY — As part of its plan to protect Ontario and deliver on an ambitious infrastructure plan, the Ontario government is investing $2,238,925 to train up to 267 additional students in construction programs at Confederation College. This investment will strengthen the province’s pipeline of highly skilled construction workers that are needed to fulfill the government’s ambitious plan to build more homes, highways, hospitals and other critical infrastructure, no matter what comes our way.
“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.”
“I’m happy to see our government investing in construction programming at Confederation College. We need more skilled tradesmen and women to build the critical infrastructure and housing our communities need to grow and thrive. “ said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay – Atikokan. “This investment will help strengthen construction jobs across the region, support local industry, and ensure that students have the training and opportunities they need to succeed right here in Northwestern Ontario.”
This investment is part of the Ontario government’s $75M investment to train up to 7,500 students in construction programs such as welding, carpentry and renovation techniques at colleges and Indigenous Institutes and up to 300 new seats for graduate students at universities to train vital urban and land use planners across the province by 2028.
“Confederation College is proud to be part of Ontario’s efforts to expand access to education and training in the skilled trades and construction sectors,” said Michelle Salo, Confederation College President. “This investment will strengthen our ability to prepare students with the hands-on skills and real-world experience they need to succeed in these high-demand careers. We are grateful for the province’s continued support in helping us build a stronger workforce for Northwestern Ontario and beyond.”
Students interested in careers in construction and planning can visit My Career Journey to learn
more.
Ontario’s historic $200 billion plan to build requires a strong, highly-skilled workforce to make it
happen. To meet this demand and protect Ontario workers in the face of U.S. tariffs, the government
continues to make strategic investments in education and training opportunities to support key
sectors and launch rewarding careers in the skilled trades and other in-demand sectors.
QUICK FACTS
- There are approximately 240 construction-related techniques and technician programs offered at Ontario postsecondary institutions.
- Ontario is home to six universities that offer accredited graduate-level planning programs.
- Ontario has a ten-year, $190 billion infrastructure plan to build homes, highways, hospitals and community infrastructure that is needed to support the province’s growth.
- On July 29, 2025 the government announced an investment of $260M to launch the sixth round of the Skills Development Fund, supporting the hiring, training and upskilling of workers in manufacturing, health care, construction, automotive and other skilled trades.
- Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s SDF Training Stream has aimed to help over 700,000 workers train for in-demand sectors, including over 154,000 construction workers, over 124,000 manufacturing workers and over 52,000 personal support workers and health care workers.
Additional Resources
2025 Ontario Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario