In April of this year, LiUNA Local 607 received $225,064 from the Government of Ontario to expand apprenticeship training and help more people in Thunder Bay prepare for careers in the skilled trades.

Provided through Ontario’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant program, the funding will support upgrades to training equipment and facilities while helping Local 607 deliver back-to-back training in the Red Seal trades of Construction Craft Worker and Cement Finisher.

The program will support 12 participants through 12 weeks of in-class instruction followed by 12 weeks of on-the-job experience. This combination of technical education and practical training will help participants develop the skills, safety certifications and job-site experience needed to move directly into employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

“Pre-apprenticeship funding is crucial to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing participants with essential hands-on skills, safety certifications and trade readiness at no cost,” said Andy Nieweglowski, Director of Training at LiUNA Local 607.

The funding will also help Local 607 keep its training aligned with current equipment, technologies and employer needs. By giving participants access to relevant, hands-on learning, the program will prepare them to contribute safely and effectively on job sites across the region.

With continued demand for skilled construction workers, investments in local apprenticeship training are important for both workers and employers. They create clearer pathways into well-paying careers while helping Northwestern Ontario build the workforce needed for future housing, infrastructure and industrial projects.

LiUNA Local 607 is proud to help the next generation of tradespeople gain the skills, confidence and experience they need to succeed.