Mayor Brian Ostrander and MPP David Piccini deliver remarks at the groundbreaking ceremony for Brighton's new $52M wastewater treatment plant. /Sarah Hyatt/MBC
The Ontario government is investing more than $10.9 million through the latest round of its Skills Development Fund Training Stream to help nearly 2,000 workers and jobseekers prepare for careers in health care.
The funding will support ten training projects across the province, with programs offering specialized training, work placements, mentorship and career supports.
The training will focus on in-demand occupations including nurses, personal support workers, medical laboratory technologists and other health-care positions.
One of the largest individual investments is going to Scarborough Health Network, which is receiving more than $2.2 million to train 110 people. The program, being delivered in partnership with Sir Sanford Fleming College, will prepare participants for careers as personal support workers, nurses and nurse practitioners.
The province says the program will use a Virtual Standardized Patient platform to provide hands-on learning and accelerated training opportunities.
Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini says the investment is intended to create more pathways into health-care careers while helping employers recruit skilled professionals.
The government says the latest funding round has been strengthened following recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2025 review. Changes include tracking employment outcomes at three, six and 12 months, increased transparency around registered lobbyists and consultants, and a more rigorous process for screening and evaluating projects.
Ontario says previous rounds of the Skills Development Fund Training Stream have helped more than 100,000 participants find employment within 60 days of completing their programs.
People interested in participating in the newly announced projects are being directed to contact the organizations delivering the individual training programs.
