Saturday, November 22, 2025

Huge Government Investment in Skills Training Provides Funding for CLAC Program

CLAC receives $723,600 to expand its Group Sponsor Grant program

The Ontario government has announced $12.9 million in funding to a variety of organizations to help 50,000 workers in the Waterloo Region gain and retain work in the skilled trades, manufacturing, education, and health innovation.

The money is part of the province’s Skills Development Fund, which has been increased to $2.5 billion in response to economic uncertainty caused by US tariffs.

CLAC has received $723,600 of the new $12.9 million to expand its Group Sponsor Grant program.

The program, launched in 2021, has assisted 290 apprentices enter and navigate the apprenticeship system. Its focus is on providing supports for the entire apprenticeship journey, including registration, progression, and completion.

“Ontario’s growth depends on a strong, skilled workforce,” says Colin deRaaf, CLAC’s director of Training, Apprenticeship, and Jobs, Central Canada. “With support from the Skills Development Fund, CLAC’s Group Sponsor Grant program strengthens the apprenticeship education pathway by providing apprentices with the guidance they need for success, while also cutting red tape so employers can focus on training and building the next generation of tradespeople.”

Julie Garner (CLAC government relations consultant), Brian Riddell (Cambridge MPP), Colin deRaaf (CLAC director of Training, Apprenticeship, and Jobs, Central Canada), Premier Doug Ford

Huge Government Investment in Skills Training Provides Funding for CLAC Program

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