Skills Advance Ontario Training Opportunities

Ministry-funded training and support for workers affected by layoffs, tariffs, economic pressure, and industry change. Explore funded training pathways through Confederation College, with tuition, tools, PPE, travel support, and a weekly training stipend available for eligible participants.

Confederation College is delivering training opportunities through the Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) initiative, funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

This initiative is intended to support individuals who have been laid off, are currently receiving Employment Insurance (EI), or have experienced job loss or reduced employment opportunities as a result of economic pressures, tariffs, or changing labour market conditions.

The program is designed to help eligible participants gain the skills, certifications, and training necessary to transition into sustainable employment through short-term, targeted training opportunities that align with labour market demands.

Note

This funding is intended exclusively for eligible individuals. Applicants who are not currently laid off, receiving EI, or otherwise able to demonstrate that they have been directly affected by changing labour market conditions will not be considered for admission.

Training opportunities will be organized based on participant interest, eligibility requirements, and intake numbers.

Sector-Focused Training and Program Details

Participants receive essential technical skills training tailored to the needs of local employers and industries:

DZ / AZ Licensing- Training for individuals seeking commercial driver licensing opportunities.
- Commercial Driver Training (AZ / DZ)
Heavy Equipment Operator- Training for entry into equipment operation roles in construction and related sectors.
- Heavy Equipment Operator (loader, bulldozer, grader, rock truck)
Level 1 Trades Training- Introductory in-school training for individuals interested in skilled trades pathways, including Industrial MillwrightandHeavy-Duty Equipment Technician.
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN 421A(opens in new window))
- Industrial Millwright (MILLWRIGHT 433A(opens in new window))

There is also an option to express interest in other training areas, which may be reviewed based on demand.

Important

Employer Worksite Requirements

Please be aware that some training sites may take place at employer worksites. Depending on the employer and nature of the work, participants may be required to meet additional site-specific requirements, which could include drug and alcohol testing, physical or functional abilities testing, and other workplace health and safety requirements. These requirements are established by the individual employer and may be a condition of participating in training at their site.

Start Dates:

Heavy Equipment Operator- Marathon, ON, September 14/2026
AZ/DZ- Thunder Bay, ON- October 19/2026 & January 11/2027
Industrial Millwright (433A) (Sept 8 start)
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (421A) (Sept 14 start)

Note

Additional programs coming with dates to be determined. Check back here for updates. Participation in Level 1 trades training does not mean automatic apprenticeship registration or guaranteed employment. Extra steps may be required after training, depending on the trade and employer.

What Support Is Available

Eligible participants may receive support during training, which may include:

Full tuition coverage
Required tools
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Travel support
$500 per week stipend while in training

Support may vary by program and participant situation.

Skilled Trades Information

For applicants interested in trade pathways, you can learn more about trade certification, apprenticeship, and trade requirements through Skilled Trades Ontario(opens in new window).

Participant Eligibility/Criteria

minimum of 18 years of age
resident of Ontario
legally entitled to work in Canada.
Is one of the following:
- A jobseeker and in receipt of EI benefits; or
- A worker on an EI Work-Sharing Agreement; or
- A worker employed with a company affected by tariffs or global market conditions (specific criteria applied to determine)
Not enrolled in any full-time education or occupational training
Not participating in any other government-funded training intervention that offers support of the same tuition/training fees, training materials, or any other costs that are funded under this Agreement
Not employed in a senior management or executive position or have a controlling interest in the business where they are or will be employed