Applications Open for Skills Advance Ontario
Funding available to help protect Ontario workers and employers from the impacts of tariffs and economic uncertainty
Vic Fedeli, MPP for Nipissing, announced that the Ontario government has opened applications for Skills Advance Ontario (SAO), which helps workers upgrade their skills and pursue in-demand jobs while assisting employers in retaining experienced staff during periods of economic uncertainty. Additionally, SAO will support workforce development in high-growth sectors such as health care, skilled trades, energy, and natural resources.
“The Ontario government is taking further action to protect Ontario workers by expanding training and employment supports for those impacted by tariffs and global trade disruptions,” said MPP Vic Fedeli. “We encourage employers, training providers, or employment service organizations in Nipissing to apply for the Skills Advance Ontario funding to help meet evolving labour demands.”
SAO supports job seekers and incumbent workers in pursuing meaningful career pathways by offering employment and training services that span entry-level through medium- and high-skilled roles. The program helps employers access and retain a skilled, adaptable workforce to meet evolving labour demands, while enabling individuals to upskill, reskill, and advance within high-potential sectors.
Applications are open and will be accepted on an ongoing basis. To learn more about how employers can submit project proposals, visit Skills Advance Ontario | ontario.ca
Quick Facts:
· Employment Ontario is providing free employment services and training programs for jobseekers, workers, and employers online, via phone or chat, or in person at more than 700 service locations across Ontario. In the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the Employment Ontario network helped over 693,000 Ontarians.
· Through a $228.8 million investment from the Government of Canada over the next three years, Ontario will deliver the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, helping up to 27,000 workers across the province retrain, upgrade their skills, and stay competitive in key sectors of the economy
