AIA Canada Receives New Ontario Funding to Expand Automotive Training and Strengthen Workforce Skills
Ottawa, Ontario, August 18, 2026 –The Automotive Industries Association of Canada (AIA Canada) is pleased to announce that the Innovation in Automotive Training program has received additional funding through Round Six of the Ontario Government’s Skills Development Fund (SDF). Building on the success of previous rounds, the program will expand to new partners and training locations, providing free, practical, industry-focused training for current automotive workers and individuals interested in pursuing a career in the automotive trades.
AIA Canada will deliver the program in collaboration with Centennial College, Conestoga College, Fanshawe College, Mohawk College and Plug N’ Drive. Training will focus on career exploration, electric vehicles (EVs), and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), supporting the automotive industry’s evolving workforce needs.
Since its launch, the program has reached more than 740 participants, reflecting its growing reach across Ontario and the continued demand for accessible automotive training.
“Ontario’s Skills Development Fund has helped AIA Canada and college partners expand our Innovation in Automotive Training Program, giving more workers access to practical skills development for Canada’s ever-changing auto care sector. Continued investment in this project supports employers, strengthens workforce readiness, and helps ensure Canadian vehicles are maintained safely and reliably on the road.” says Emily Chung, president and CEO of AIA Canada.
“As the world faces growing global economic uncertainty, our government is making sure Ontario workers have the skills they need to succeed and employers have the talent they need to grow,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through the Skills Development Fund, we’re creating new opportunities for people to build rewarding careers while strengthening the workforce that will build Ontario’s homes, deliver critical infrastructure and drive economic growth. These investments are helping protect workers, strengthen communities and keep Ontario competitive.”
[ “It was a pleasure learning from the incredibly knowledgeable teachers…, and I felt much more confident in my abilities as an automotive technician as I began the process of seeking employment… I took your advice and brought printed copies of my updated resume directly to local garages… By the end of that same week, I had already received two job offers – one of which… I was thrilled to accept. They shared that they were particularly impressed with my hands-on experience performing lubrication and tire services in the… auto shop, as well as my preparedness and tool selection, which you helped provide.” – Matteo Ricci, Round 5 Career Exploration Participant]
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
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About the Automotive Industries Association of Canada
We represent, support and lead innovation in Canada’s $43.9 billion auto care sector. With thousands of members from coast to coast, our vision, research, training programs and advocacy supports Canada’s collision and mechanical sectors. Our best practices for the auto care industry help our members keep Canada’s fleet of almost 26.6 million vehicles on the road.
Whether you have been in a collision or require maintenance, our members help vehicles last longer, pollute less and keep drivers safer by offering Canadians any product or service a vehicle may need after it rolls off the dealership’s lot.
For more information, please contact:
AIA Canada Communications
1-800-808-2920, ext. 2285