Underrepresented groups facing barriers to entering Ontario’s skilled trades are being offered a new pathway into the sector through Trade Up Move Up, a program created and delivered by Skills Ontario in partnership with unions and other training providers.
The initiative has secured $1.2 million in funding from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to support its launch.
According to Skills Ontario chief executive officer Ian Howcroft, the program has been developed to help address skilled trades labour shortages while making the sector more accessible to a wider range of young people across the province.
“We created the program to address Ontario’s skilled trades labour shortage while increasing participation by underrepresented groups, including youth, women, Indigenous people, Black youth, and others who face barriers entering the trades,” Howcroft said.
Trade Up Move Up is expected to support 250 individuals seeking to enter the skilled trades. Participants will receive training as well as employment support and additional assistance from case workers, Howcroft said.
Depending on each participant’s circumstances and training needs, the program will provide up to four weeks of training. A significant portion of that training will involve in-person, hands-on instruction and practical learning activities.
The training will be tailored to the occupations and roles participants are preparing to enter. Skills Ontario will select qualified professionals to deliver the sessions, working alongside the organization or union responsible for the specific training.
The program will also include employment-readiness preparation and other workplace supports intended to help participants make the transition into employment.
“Upon successful completion of the training, they will be connected with our employer partners and are guaranteed an employment or apprenticeship opportunity, providing a direct pathway into a skilled trades career,” Howcroft said.
Target of 250 participants based on previous pilot
The decision to set the program’s target at 250 participants was based on experience from a similar pilot project delivered in 2024-2025, according to Howcroft.
Skills Ontario assessed the pilot’s results, participant demand and available capacity before expanding the program’s catchment area to include additional communities across Ontario.
“Based on that analysis, a target of 250 participants was established as a realistic and achievable number for the program,” Howcroft said.
Applicants must meet several requirements to participate. They must be legally entitled to work in Canada, reside in Ontario, have an interest in pursuing a skilled trades career and be available to take part in the training and other program activities.
Program to reach communities across Ontario
Trade Up Move Up will consist of multiple sessions beginning this October and continuing through April 2007, according to the program information provided.
The initiative will be delivered in six major communities across the province, including the Ottawa region, the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, the Niagara region and the Sudbury/Algoma region.
Whether Trade Up Move Up will continue for a second year will depend on the availability of funding, Howcroft said.
Skills Ontario plans to recruit participants through several outreach channels. These include employer groups, training organizations, community partners, social media campaigns and direct outreach in participating communities.
The program is intended to combine practical trades training with employment preparation and employer connections, giving participants a direct route toward entering Ontario’s skilled trades workforce.
