Ontario Expands Skilled-Trades Pathways for Women: What Prospective Participants Should Know
Ontario has awarded nearly $3.9 million to four organizations to help more than 310 women enter, remain in or advance within construction and skilled-trades careers.
The funding was announced on September 2, 2026, through Round 6 of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream.
The projects include technical training, mentorship, employment assistance, financial or wraparound supports and connections with employers.
However, this announcement does not mean that one province-wide application is now open. Each organization will establish its own eligibility rules, geographic coverage, recruitment dates and participant process. Read the official Ontario announcement.
Four different pathways—not one program
Women entering skilled trades after gender-based violence
Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region will receive $2,000,048 to support 42 survivors of gender-based violence pursuing careers connected with:
Carpentry
Cabinetmaking
Machinery mechanics
Transportation-equipment mechanics
The project is expected to combine skills training with employment and wraparound supports.
Status: Funded project announced; participant intake details still need to be confirmed.
HVAC and mechanical-trades pathways
The Redwood will receive $914,110 to support 100 survivors of gender-based violence pursuing careers such as:
HVAC technician
Gas fitter
Refrigeration mechanic
Related construction occupations
The organization already operates a Women in Trades HVAC pathway offering tuition-free training, employment assistance and supports for childcare, transportation, groceries, textbooks and equipment. Its current webpage says future cohort recruitment has not yet opened. View The Redwood’s current HVAC program information.
Status: New funding awarded; recruitment dates for the funded cohort are not yet published.
Construction supervision and project management
The Canadian Association of Women in Construction will receive $459,675 to train 120 women for construction-supervision and project-management roles.
This pathway may be particularly relevant to women who already have construction, engineering, administrative, coordination or transferable leadership experience and want to progress into supervisory work.
Status: Funded project announced; eligibility and registration details still need to be confirmed. Visit CAWIC.
Retention and advancement for women already working
The Metro Labour Education and Skills Training Centre, operating as the Labour Education Centre, will receive $496,153 to help 50 women remain employed and advance in their careers.
The project is expected to include employment opportunities, wraparound services and inclusive-workplace training. This differs from an entry-level training program: its central focus is helping women stay, progress and succeed in the workforce.
Status: Funded project announced; the specific participant intake has not yet been confirmed. Visit the Labour Education Centre.
Which pathway might fit you?
Before approaching a provider, consider:
Are you exploring a trade for the first time, or are you already working in construction?
Are you interested in hands-on technical work, supervision or project management?
Do you live within the project’s service area?
Are you legally able to work and participate in training in Canada?
Do you need childcare, transportation, financial or trauma-informed support?
Can you meet the attendance and in-person training requirements?
Are you seeking training, apprenticeship registration, employment or career advancement?
Eligibility will be determined by the organization delivering each project.
How CNAP can help
CNAP can help women—including newcomers and internationally trained workers—navigate the space between hearing about an opportunity and reaching the correct employment or training pathway.
CNAP’s role may include:
Identifying the project that best matches a participant’s career goal and circumstances
Confirming whether intake or a wait-list is open
Helping participants understand questions to ask about eligibility
Connecting training goals with apprenticeship and employment pathways
Identifying childcare, transportation, housing and mobility barriers
Supporting referrals to qualified training and community organizations
Helping employers connect with emerging and experienced women in the trades
Supporting workforce retention after training or placement
CNAP does not determine program eligibility, guarantee admission or provide the funded training unless expressly identified as a delivery partner.
Call to action
Interested in construction, HVAC, mechanical trades or construction leadership?
CNAP is tracking these Ontario opportunities as participant details become available.
Tell us:
Your Ontario location
The trade or role that interests you
Whether you are entering, returning to or advancing within the industry
Whether childcare, transportation, housing or other barriers may affect participation
Connect with CNAP for pathway navigation at info@cnapcanada.ca
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