Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government will provide $3.6 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) to four training projects and one building expansion project in Hamilton.
Funding is expected to train up to 3,800 apprentices, journeypersons and jobseekers for careers in in-demand jobs such as millwright, welding and electrical trades.
“Ironworkers Local 736 is grateful for the support provided by the Ontario Government and Minister Piccini,” said Steven Pratt, business manager, Ironworkers Local 736. “By ensuring access to essential resources and training, future ironworker apprentices, journeypersons, youth and jobseekers will benefit significantly.
“This investment will help Ontario’s resilient skilled trades workforce become even more stronger than ever.”
The following projects will receive funds:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 105
- $2,388,405 for two training projects to help a total of 80 unemployed or underemployed, disadvantaged or underrepresented people gain entry-level electrical skills and safety training as well as Red Seal electricians looking to upskill and obtain their welding certificate in Hamilton and the surrounding area.
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1916 (operating as Millwright Local 1916)
- $797,953 for a project to provide 125 millwrights, apprentices and journeypersons with training on the latest technology used on jobsites, including on optical levels and shaft alignment lasers. Training will also be provided to jobseekers, youth, women, recent immigrants and Indigenous peoples in Hamilton as well as Grey, Bruce, Brant and Waterloo counties.
International Association of Bridge, Structural and Ornamental Iron Workers Local 736
- $178,460 for a project to help up to 50 ironworker apprentices, journeypersons, jobseekers, women, Indigenous peoples, youth and others gain welding skills and to support the purchase and outfitting of four new welding booths at the Local 736 training facility.
United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Local 1916 (operating as Millwright Local 1916)
- $248,338.86 for a project to build a new mezzanine level to improve Local 1916’s existing training centre, increasing capacity by 15 to 20 per cent in apprenticeship programs and training certifications for safety training and technical and leadership skills, including for welding and optical and laser alignment. Up to 3,545 members are expected to benefit from the increased training capability over the next six years in construction millwright and industrial mechanic trades, including women and Indigenous peoples in Hamilton.
“Through the continued support of the Ontario government and the Skills Development Fund, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 105 can successfully enhance our members skill sets, recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds, sustain ongoing education and meet the ever-evolving demands of the skilled trades,” said James Bonnell, business manager/financial secretary, IBEW Local 105. “Some of our training projects would not be possible without these crucial resources and support that Minister Piccini has offered.
‘We look forward to working with Minister Piccini on some key issues facing our skilled trades, mainly the enforcement of compulsory electrical work being performed by Red Seal electricians and registered apprentices.”
Over the next decade, more than 500,000 additional workers will be needed in skilled trades-related occupations in Ontario. These skilled jobs are needed more than ever as Ontario moves forward with our plan to build more homes, highways and other key infrastructure across the province.
“Through the Skills Development Fund, UBC Millwrights Local 1916 will be able to efficiently deliver training with new equipment and expand our training facility to support our growing membership,” said Brad Sutton, business manager, UBC Millwrights Local 1916. “This partnership with the Ontario Government, Premier Ford and Minister Piccini has enabled us to ensure our members are fully equipped with the skills needed for a successful future in the skilled trades.”