Ontario Training Veterans for In-Demand Careers

Four new projects will train jobseekers for well-paying careers close to home

The Ontario government is investing $4.3 million in four innovative training projects to help 356 Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members prepare for in-demand jobs and transition to civilian life. Every year, 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members are released from service.

The free programs announced will prepare veterans for well-paying careers in in-demand sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, software development, cyber security, and others. The first project, led by True Patriot Love Foundation, will help 130 jobseekers land meaningful jobs in healthcare. They will also be partnering with 40 Ontario employers from a variety of sectors to educate and inform them on the benefits of hiring veterans and best practices for reducing barriers to employment.

These projects are funded through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, which supports ground-breaking programs that connect jobseekers with the skills and training they need to find well-paying careers close to home. To date, the Ontario government has invested over $860 million in the Skills Development Fund Training Stream, helping half a million people take the next step in their careers.

The other three projects are led by Coding for Veterans, Helmets to Hardhats and the Roland Gossage Foundation, benefitting 226 jobseekers. They will offer a variety of tailored supports, technical training, bootcamps, mentorship, apprenticeship referrals and counselling. These projects will focus on preparing veterans for lucrative careers in industries like software development, IT and construction.