Ontario Supporting Youth Get Training and Land Jobs in Aurora
October 8, 2025
Government investing $1.5 million to help people gain the skills needed to work in agri-food sectors
KING CITY — The Ontario government is investing $1.5 million through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support youth in Aurora get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in agriculture.This funding is a part of our broader effort to strengthen Ontario’s workforce, improve productivity, and protect workers from U.S. tariffs. This investment underpins our government’s $2.5 billion investment to promote better training, better jobs, with bigger paycheques.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in the tools, training, and resources needed to keep our workforce strong,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through targeted funding, we’re strengthening our supply chains, growing a job-ready workforce, and building the foundation for a more self-reliant and productive province – one that can compete, deliver, and win.”
In partnership with STEM Minds and Boreal Farms, the Future of Food and Farming Skills Development for a Transitioning Industry project will address existing skills gaps and meet the growing demand for workers in Ontario’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. The initiative will empower high school students, youth, women, newcomers, and transitioning workers with immersive learning experiences, industry-relevant curriculum, and community engagement opportunities related to agri-tech, agri-food, and skilled trades.
“I’m proud to see this investment coming to Aurora to support youth and workers in building the skills they need for in-demand jobs in agriculture and agri-food,” said Dawn Gallagher Murphy, MPP for Newmarket—Aurora. “By preparing people for the opportunities of today and tomorrow, we’re strengthening our local economy, creating pathways to good-paying careers, and ensuring Ontario’s agriculture sector continues to thrive.”
The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is open to a wide range of applicants, including employers, industry associations, labour unions, hospitals and many more. The funding announced today builds on our government’s mission to protect Ontario and ensure it remains the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
“This investment is about building a workforce that is resilient, adaptable, and ready for the jobs of tomorrow. At STEM Minds, we are proud to partner in creating pathways that connect education with industry, ensuring that youth and workers alike can access the training and skills needed to succeed in agriculture and beyond.” Anu Bidani, CEO, STEM Minds
“The Skills Development Fund has enabled us to upskill hundreds of participants through immersive workshops, tours, mentorship and incubator programs related to AgriFood and AgriTech. With the average age of farmers in Canada being 59, our program works toward inspiring, empowering and equipping the next generation with the relevant skills needed to be a part of the industry. We are proud to have support from the province to continue to both develop and bridge skills that are much needed for the future of our AgriFood workforce.” CEO, Boreal Farms
Since its launch in 2021, Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped connect more than half a million jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find good-paying and fulfilling careers close to home.
Quick Facts
- So far, thse Skills Development Fund Training Stream has supported over 1,000 training projects across the province.
- 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.
- People interested in participating in the programs announced today are encouraged to contact the lead organizations of the projects directly.
- The Skills Development Fund Training Stream is supported through labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
- As announced in the 2025 Budget: A Plan to Protect Ontario, the Ontario government is investing an additional $1 billion through SDF to grow the trades workforce and build Ontario, bringing Ontario’s total investment in the SDF to $2.5 billion.
Additional Resources