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Ontario helping train Indigenous people for jobs in construction in Sarnia area

Sarnia, Ont. — The Ontario government will spend almost $350,000 to provide free mentorship and training in construction for up to 60 people in the Sarnia region, most from local Indigenous communities. The project will prepare participants for various careers in the construction sector, including cement finisher and construction craft worker.

The program, led by LiUNA Local 1089 Training Centre, will provide 12 weeks of training, introducing participants often underrepresented in skilled trades to construction safety, material handling, introduction to blueprints and specifications, introduction to construction tools, and scaffolding. These are basic skills needed to move into apprenticeship roles with local employers in construction. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain up to 12 certificates in courses such as tool usage, working at heights, confined spaces and first aid.

LiUNA will work with field representatives and local employers to help participants secure jobs or apprenticeships after training. They are also providing free private transportation to training sessions for participants.

The project will also prepare 12 current tradespeople to deliver training support to those who are new to the trades through a train-the-trainer program that includes shadowing ongoing courses including pipe laying and construction craft work. This will give them the chance to expand their knowledge while teaching them how to pass on their experience to future journeypersons.

Funding comes as part of the government’s $115-million Skills Development Fund to address challenges to hiring, training and retraining workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.