Grant funding supports upgrades to training facilities and equipment at Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 506, to support in-demand jobs in the skilled trades
AURORA-OAK RIDGES-RICHMOND HILL — The Ontario government is investing $333,654 to expand apprenticeship training at Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 506, which will equip more people in York Region with the tools and resources they need to land good paying, in-demand careers in the skilled trades. The funding is part of the government’s annual $29 million investment in the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities that support hands-on learning for students and apprentices.
“Ontario’s skilled trades are vital to our economy and offer meaningful and well-paying careers,” said Michael Parsa, MPP for Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill. “Thanks to the $333,654 investment under the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, Labourers’ International Union of North America Local 506 will be able to acquire modern training equipment that will give apprentices the opportunity to develop the in-demand skills employers need.”
The Apprenticeship Capital Grant program is funding six institutions approved by the Ontario government to deliver apprenticeship training across the province in 2025-2026.
“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is proud to invest in programs that modernize training and strengthen Ontario’s apprenticeship system,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “At a time when many people are looking for stability and opportunity, these investments are helping more people train for rewarding, in-demand careers close to home, while ensuring employers can find the skilled workers they need to fill critical labour gaps.”
With the funding from the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA) Local 506 is purchasing pieces of modern equipment for the purpose of improving hands-on learning and replacing equipment that is no longer in use on job sites to support apprentices each year. These improvements will strengthen hands‑on training and give more people access to equipment that reflect current employer needs. The upgraded facilities will help prepare people for careers as Construction Craft Worker, Concrete Finisher, and Heavy Equipment Operator – Excavator, and support training providers in keeping pace with evolving technologies and industry demands.
Ontario continues to take action to protect workers, businesses and communities by investing in skills training that responds to labour market needs. This investment will continue to develop our world class workforce, connect employers to skilled workers, support economic growth and build a stronger, more competitive and resilient Ontario.
Quick Facts
- There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
- Ontario will need an additional 400,000 skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet demand for housing, infrastructure, transit, energy and industrial projects.
- One in six jobs in Ontario is expected to be in the skilled trades by 2034, underscoring the need to continue growing apprenticeship pathways and training capacity.
- There are currently over 95,000 registered apprentices in Ontario.
- In 2025, nearly 10,000 youth registered for an apprenticeship.
- The Apprenticeship Capital Grant is supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
Additional Resources
- Apprenticeship Capital Grant
- Level Up Career Fairs
- Apprenticeship in Ontario
- Find a Career You Wouldn’t Trade
- Skilled Trades Ontario
- Employment Ontario
MEDIA CONTACTS
Office of the Hon. Michael Parsa, MPP
Email : Michael.parsaco@pc.ola.org
Telephone : 905-773-6250