Ontario Construction News staff writer
VAUGHAN – The Ontario government is investing more than $26 million to expand LiUNA Local 183’s skilled trades training campus in Vaughan. The funding comes from the new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, announced by Premier Doug Ford in June 2023.
LiUNA Local 183’s training facilities are located in Vaughan, Cobourg, Toronto, Barrie, Kingston, and Cambridge.
The new training centre will increase access to apprenticeship training by up to 40% for underrepresented groups.
The expansion includes a new industrial workshop, additional classrooms, and a renovated union hall. LiUNA Local 183’s Vaughan campus, which offers the largest training program in Canada, provides hands-on experience including the construction of a full-size two-storey residential home.
“Through our new $224 million Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, our government is continuing to support Ontario workers who are rebuilding our economy,” Premier Doug Ford said at a news conference. “We are pleased to partner with LiUNA 183 to help nearly 50,000 additional workers across the Greater Toronto Area gain the skills needed for in-demand jobs in the skilled trades.”
Joseph Mancinelli, Canadian Director and International Vice President of LiUNA, praised the collaboration. “This investment extends beyond infrastructure; it’s about creating opportunities and transforming lives,” Mancinelli said.
The province’s partnership with LiUNA 183 is expected to train up to 100,000 new construction workers, according to the labour minister.
“With this investment, we will double our campus capacity, enhance our facilities, and attract more young workers into the industry,” said Jack Oliveira, Business Manager of LiUNA Local 183.
The SDF Capital Stream, along with the ongoing SDF Training Stream, represents a significant investment in Ontario’s workforce. The government has committed up to $1.4 billion to support training and upskilling across the province.
Ontario’s skilled trades sector employed 1.3 million people in 2023, with a need for over 500,000 additional workers in the next decade.
Since 2021, the SDF Training Stream has supported training for nearly 600,000 workers.
For more information on the Skills Development Fund, visit Transfer Payment Ontario or email
sk*******************@on*****.ca
.