RONA is renewing its partnership with Skilled Trades College (STC) for a second year, investing $40,000 to support skilled trades training while launching a new initiative designed to connect graduates with contractors seeking qualified workers.

The partnership aims to address skilled labour demand in Canada’s construction industry by helping students overcome financial barriers to training and creating a clearer pathway from education to employment.

$40,000 Investment in Skilled Trades Training

RONA will invest another $40,000 in the RONA Future Trades Bursary program, providing financial assistance to students pursuing specialized skilled trades training.

Ten students across Skilled Trades College campuses in Vaughan, Cambridge, Ajax, Oakville, Toronto East and Toronto West have been named bursary recipients.

The initiative reflects RONA’s broader goal of supporting emerging trades professionals throughout their journey from training into the workforce.

Connecting Skilled Trades Graduates with Contractors

New this year, RONA and Skilled Trades College are developing a program that will connect graduates directly with contractors looking for qualified labour.

The initiative is intended to help students find career opportunities while giving contractors another channel for identifying trained workers at a time when skilled labour remains an important construction industry challenge.

According to Ontario government projections cited by Skilled Trades College, one in six job openings in Ontario is expected to be in the skilled trades by 2034.

Creating a Path from Training to Employment

RONA says supporting the next generation requires more than funding education. By combining bursaries with employment connections, the company aims to help graduates put their training into practice while strengthening the skilled trades workforce.

For contractors, the new program could provide access to graduates entering the industry with specialized training and looking to begin their careers.

The partnership creates a more direct link between skilled trades education, workforce development and construction employers—supporting both young professionals entering the trades and contractors searching for talent.

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