Ontario commits $27 million to carpenter union-led training programs

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Ontario Construction News staff writer

The Ontario government is investing nearly $27 million to expand carpentry training programs across the province. This funding will support the construction of a new training centre in Sudbury and upgrades to four existing centres in London, Windsor, Cambridge, and Ottawa, aiming to train an additional 2,600 carpenters and construction workers.

“In the face of tariff threats to Ontario workers and jobs, it’s more important than ever that we keep investing in our workers so they have the skills and training they need to succeed,” Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference last week  “Today’s investment will help over 2,600 workers find rewarding careers in the skilled trades, providing them with better job opportunities and higher pay across Ontario.”

Funding includes up to $13 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream to support five union locals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA):

  • UBCJA Local 2486 (Sudbury): $3.2 million for a new training centre to create opportunities for Northern and Indigenous communities.
  • UBCJA Local 494 (Windsor): $1.8 million for a two-story addition, adding 5,612 square feet of training space.
  • UBCJA Local 1946 (London): $1.2 million for a 5,300-square-foot expansion for carpentry and drywalling training.
  • UBCJA Local 785 (Cambridge): $3.5 million for a 60% expansion, including new classrooms, a fully equipped shop, and additional facilities.
  • UBCJA Local 93 (Ottawa): $3.2 million for facility expansion.

Jason Rowe, executive secretary-treasurer of the Carpenters’ Regional Council, called the investment historic, saying, “This will expand our programs and build a highly skilled workforce to meet Ontario’s infrastructure and housing needs. New specialized programs will also train workers in high-demand sectors like health care and manufacturing.”

Also,  up to $14 million was announced for the UBCJA’s Workforce Development Program, which will now train up to 1,450 workers across industries, including manufacturing and health care. The program aims to create a resilient workforce by addressing barriers to education and employment.

“By investing in carpenter training, we are helping to train the next generation of workers, including women and young people, to build Ontario’s bright future. A career in the skilled trades is for everyone,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development.

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