HIEC-ApprenticeSearch.com welcomes the Government of Ontario’s 2025 Budget and commends the province’s continued commitment to workforce development through significant new investments in skills training and industry support.

The announced $705 million in new funding through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream is an important and necessary step toward addressing Ontario’s skilled labour shortage. 

We are also encouraged by the creation of the $5-billion Protecting Ontario Account, which will help our industry partners respond to global economic pressures such as tariffs and ensure their workers can remain on the job. 

At HIEC-ApprenticeSearch.com, we are proud to support Ontario’s workforce development goals by delivering innovative, career-focused programming that connects people to opportunities in the skilled trades. Our Gateway to the Trades program introduces participants to the pathways and possibilities in apprenticeship careers, helping them gain the foundational knowledge and confidence to take the next steps toward employment in the trades.

We also continue to prepare youth for the future of work through the Ontario Career Lab, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Education. This experiential career development initiative engages Grade 9 and 10 students in hands-on, real-world career exploration and supports them in making informed decisions about their education and career goals.

We are hopeful that the measures announced in today’s budget will support the continuation and expansion of programs like Ontario Career Lab and Gateway to the Trades, which are essential to building a strong, future-ready workforce.

HIEC-ApprenticeSearch.com remains committed to working with government, education, and industry partners to ensure all Ontarians—especially youth and newcomers—can access the tools, training, and opportunities they need to succeed in the skilled trades and beyond.