On January 24th, The Carpenters’ Regional Council (CRC) hosted students, CRC leadership, Premier Doug Ford, and representatives from the Ontario government to announce upcoming training centre upgrades, along with expanded training programs made possible by investments from the Ontario Skills Development Fund.
Five CRC Local Unions will receive funding for brick-and-mortar renovations to increase floor space, add classrooms and other improvements to their training centres.
- Local 494 Windsor: will receive a two-story addition creating new shop, office and training space.
- Local 785 Cambridge: will expand by 60%, adding four classrooms, a fully functioning shop, washrooms, an exercise room and a meeting hall.
- Local 93 Ottawa: adding 13 500 sq ft of shop space using Mass Timber, adding a classroom, five office spaces and eight welding booths
- Local 1946 London: will receive a 5,300 sq. ft. addition
- Local 2486 Sudbury: will see the construction of a new training centre to bring improved training and career opportunities to Northern Ontario communities.
These upgrades will allow the CRC to expand course offerings and increase the number of classes which can run simultaneously.
In addition to the renovations, the Ontario SDF funding will facilitate the expansion of existing training programs and the creation of new initiatives. Among these is the launch of a Red Seal Exam Preparation course, which will support our members as they get ready to challenge the interprovincial Red Seal exam. By providing reviews and assisting with study habits, this course will increase completion rates for UBC apprentices. Two additional programs made possible with the SDF investment will provide pathways into a trades career for high school students and newcomers to carpentry, allowing the Union to attract and train new members, without using member-contributed funds. Additional programs will provide upskilling and health and safety training to healthcare workers from HOPE Local 2220 and industrial workers from UBC Local 1072.
“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,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration Training and Skills Development. “Workers can benefit from the wisdom of experienced tradespeople, gain the necessary skills for lifelong careers in the construction trades and unlock their full potential.”
This landmark investment marks a significant milestone in our partnership with the Ontario government and our efforts to develop the next generation of skilled trade professionals.
