Ontario Construction News staff writer
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America is rolling out a nationwide training initiative to prepare workers for Canada’s growing mass timber construction sector.
The UBC Sustainable Jobs Mass Timber Project — funded by Employment and Social Development Canada through the Union Training and Innovation Program — will deliver 10 specialized training modules at select UBC training centres across the country. The program aims to equip carpenters with the skills needed to meet rising demand for low-carbon, modular building systems.
Mass timber has gained traction as an affordable, sustainable alternative to steel and concrete, offering faster construction timelines and reduced carbon emissions. Made from renewable wood that stores carbon, the building method is increasingly being used by developers and contractors seeking lower-impact solutions.
UBC officials say the training will focus on hoisting and rigging, mass timber product handling and assembly, and exterior envelope and curtain wall installation — all critical components of modular mass timber construction. Each course combines classroom instruction with hands-on training using current technologies and techniques.
The program includes financial supports to reduce barriers to participation, covering dependent care, living expenses and transportation. Each one-week, 40-hour session is expected to train a total of 4,000 participants over the life of the program.
The initiative will also support Canada’s forestry sector as all materials used in training are sourced from Canadian-made forest products — a move UBC says will help strengthen domestic supply chains amid ongoing trade uncertainty with the United States.
“Through the UBC Sustainable Jobs Mass Timber Project, we’re ensuring Canada’s workers have the training needed to build infrastructure and housing quickly and sustainably,” said Jason Rowe, UBC Canadian District vice-president. “This project will ensure UBC members and signatory contractors are ready to meet the growing demand for this emerging building technology.”
ESDC is providing funding for the training through the Union Training and Innovation Program.
