Ontario supporting manufacturing job seekers through Elevate Plus program

September 11, 2025

11 September 2025

$1,275,400 Skills Development Fund investment to train 349 participants

BAY OF QUINTE – The Ontario government is investing $1,275,400 through the Skills Development Fund Training Stream to support 349 people in the Quinte region get the skills they need to land good-paying, in-demand jobs in manufacturing, Tyler Allsopp, MPP for Bay of Quinte, announced today.

The investment supports the continuation of the Elevate Plus program. Delivered by the Quinte Economic Development Commission (QEDC) in collaboration with Loyalist College and the Quinte Manufacturers Association, it provides four weeks of in-class soft skills learning with an on-the-job training placement with a local manufacturer. Through Elevate Plus, there are also opportunities for current manufacturing sector employees to upgrade their skills.

“Elevate Plus is a proven program that changes participants’ lives and provides manufacturers skilled workers to meet local needs in our region,” said Allsopp. “Our government recognizes its value, and I’m pleased to support its continuation.”

Through this funding allocation Elevate Plus will provide job seeker training and remove barriers for a targeted 24 individuals to enter careers in manufacturing and support 325 incumbent workers in timely and relevant training to support the skills needed in modern production facilities. This includes two innovative employer-led micro-credential-based training programs.  It is anticipated a minimum of 35 manufacturers will benefit with employee attraction, retention, and development.

This funding is a part of a 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.”

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. 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.

Brad Little, QEDC Chair, welcomed the investment.

“We’re proud to help grow the Bay of Quinte’s manufacturing sector by delivering programs that truly make a difference. Elevate Plus shows what’s possible when QEDC, Loyalist College, manufacturers, job seekers, and community partners come together,” said Little. “With provincial support through the Skills Development Fund, we’re building careers, strengthening workers, and helping manufacturers thrive.” 

Mark Kirkpatrick, Loyalist College President, said the program’s success is evident.

“Loyalist College is proud to celebrate the continued success of the Elevate Plus program, which has helped so many people in our region change their lives by retraining, gaining new skills and developing the confidence they need to succeed in their careers,” said Kirkpatrick.“We are grateful for the Quinte Economic Development Commission’s partnership in delivering this essential pathway to job readiness, and for the province’s financial support, which allows us to continue strengthening our workforce and building a prosperous future for Eastern Ontario.”

Chandy Davis, the Quinte Manufacturers Association President, said the continuation of the program will assist the sector to remain competitive.

“On behalf of our members, I want to thank Quinte Economic Development and Loyalist College for Elevate Plus, which positively impacts local manufacturers. By preparing skilled workers and supporting our current workforce, this initiative helps businesses stay competitive. We’re also grateful to the Province of Ontario for the funding that makes this possible,” said Davis.

QUICK FACTS

• So far, the 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.