Empowering Durham’s Workforce: A Deep Dive into Skills Advance Ontario (SAO)

In an ever-changing global market, the resilience of our local workforce is more important than ever. The Skills Advance Ontario (SAO) program, a strategic sector-based initiative in the Durham Region, supports displaced workers with training in nuclear and personal support worker (PSW) roles. Jointly funded by the Governments of Canada and Ontario through the Canada–Ontario Workforce Tariff Response, SAO is designed to reinforce sectors affected by trade disruptions and global market shifts.

A Focus on Durham’s Future: Energy and Healthcare

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) is leading a local partnership to provide specialized support for workers transitioning into two of our region’s most vital sectors:

  • Energy Sector: Anchored by Durham’s 40-year history in nuclear energy, this sector is expanding into renewable energy, battery storage, and medical isotopes.
  • Healthcare and Social Assistance: With a high demand for Personal Support Workers (PSWs), nurses, and nurse aides, the program offers pathways into nursing and residential care facilities.

While the program is open to a range of job seekers, it has a dedicated focus on supporting workers affected by recent economic disruptions, specifically displaced workers from the automotive manufacturing sector, including those previously employed by General Motors, Lear, and Android Industries.

This project succeeds through a collaborative network. The project has an Advisory Committee that includes training experts from Durham College and Ontario Tech University, assessment support from the Learning Network of Durham Region, and community services from the John Howard Society. This “whole-person” approach ensures that every participant is treated with dignity and provided with the specific tools they need to grow.

Recruitment and screening for training cohorts are happening now. Throughout the summer and into September, the program will be hosting outreach events and information sessions to connect interested workers with upcoming training opportunities.

The future of Durham’s energy and healthcare sectors is being built today, and there is a place in it for you. Click here for more information