A new fund from the Ontario government is looking to train more women across the province in skilled trades, with over $2 million headed to Waterloo Region to provide opportunities to survivors of domestic violence.
As part of the sixth round of its Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream, the province announced an investment of close to $3.9 million across four different training projects in Ontario, more than half of which is pegged for Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
“Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region is receiving $2,000,048 to help 42 women who are survivors of gender-based violence prepare for jobs in the skilled trades,” said the Ontario government in a release.
“Participants will receive skills training, employment supports and wraparound services to help them secure employment and build careers in carpentry, cabinetmaking, machinery mechanics and transportation equipment mechanics.”
According to the province, around one-third of Ontario’s skilled trades workforce was represented by women, equalling roughly 385,000 in 2025.
Amidst the growing economic concerns revolving around the trade hostilities between Canada and the United States, the province has now said it’s looking to stay “competitive and resilient” in the face of U.S. tariffs, saying that a boost in women in the skilled trades will help facilitate those efforts.
“As we build the homes, highways, hospitals and critical infrastructure Ontario needs, women have an important role to play in meeting that demand,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
“Our government is breaking down barriers so more women, including survivors of gender-based violence, can build the skills, experience and confidence to succeed in the skilled trades.”
The government said that, through the first five waves of the SDF, more than 120,000 participants were able to find employment within 60 days of completing their respective programs.
They said this is a necessary step for women looking to enter skilled trades, saying that even though the workforce remains strong for their overall representation, just 15 per cent of active apprentices are female.
“This investment will help women across Waterloo Region gain the training, experience and support they need to pursue in-demand careers while helping local employers find the skilled workers they need to grow,” said Brian Riddell, MPP for Cambridge.
The funds headed for Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region are slated to go towards its Skilled Hands Empower (SHE) Builds program, which is an education and employment program that combines employment preparation, hands-on skilled trades training, job placement opportunities, and ongoing wraparound supports.
“SHE Builds will provide women and gender-diverse individuals who have experienced gender-based violence with the opportunity to earn skilled trades certificates at no or low cost, while also gaining access to mentorship and work placements,” said Jennifer Hutton, CEO of Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region.
“Together with our partners, we are wrapping survivors in support throughout their journey and are helping with entry into skilled trades, creating safer futures and long-term financial independence.”
She said the main goal is to ensure that the program remains as “low-barrier as possible,” with the funding helping the organization do just that.
The full list of details on SHE Builds can be found on the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region website.
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