Ontario Premier Doug Ford recently announced a major investment to address the skilled trades workforce gap, bringing positive news to those in the construction industry. The provincial government will contribute $5 million towards the development of a state-of-the-art crane training facility in Oro-Medonte. This announcement is part of the broader Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream initiative, which aims to finance skills development, particularly in the trades sector.
The training facility, planned to cost $25 million, will be spearheaded by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) and will focus on crane training as well as heavy equipment operation. It is designed to train more than 1,600 job seekers in crucial trades that keep Ontario's construction sector thriving. The announcement was made during a press conference at the construction site along Highway 11, where the upcoming training center will be located.
Bridging the Skilled Trades Gap
During his visit, Premier Ford emphasized the importance of skilled trades in Ontario's growing economy. With one in three tradespeople set to retire in the coming years, there is an urgent need to pass down the knowledge and expertise of these experienced workers to the next generation.
“With more than $74 million committed to training and workers across the province, this new round of funding through our Skills Development Fund Capital Stream will help thousands of additional Ontario workers find better jobs and bigger paycheques. It’s especially great to be here in Oro-Medonte to announce nearly $5 million in support from the first round of funding and see first-hand how it’s making a difference in the lives of Ontario workers.”
Premier of Ontario | Doug Ford
Toronto.com reports that Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development David Piccini echoed Ford’s remarks, stressing the critical role of trades in Ontario's infrastructure. He noted that the upcoming crane training center will help prepare the workforce for Ontario's ambitious construction projects. Piccini highlighted the crane as a symbol of Ontario's unprecedented development: “In fact, I think Ontario’s official bird should be the crane because they’re all over.”
Training to Build the Best
The new crane training center will provide a comprehensive environment to train apprentices and workers in mobile and tower crane operation, as well as heavy equipment use. The facility will include:
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Simulation Labs: Designed to provide real-world training scenarios in a controlled, risk-free environment.
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Workshops and Classrooms: These will allow apprentices to learn both practical and theoretical skills.
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Outdoor Training Area for Tower Cranes: A dedicated outdoor space will be available for practical crane training.
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Cafeteria and Offices: The facility will include spaces to accommodate instructors, staff, and students comfortably throughout their training.
The International Union of Operating Engineers has long been a key player in training skilled tradespeople in Ontario, and the partnership with the Ontario government will allow the union to scale up its efforts. The IUOE will not only provide high-quality education but also help bridge the gap between supply and demand for skilled workers across the province.
A Future-Focused Investment
The investment in Oro-Medonte is part of a larger strategy by the Ontario government to address the growing demand for skilled workers. Since the launch of the Skills Development Fund in 2021, Ontario has been building and expanding training facilities across the province to help meet workforce demands. The SDF consists of two main streams:
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Training Stream: Supports hiring, training, and upskilling programs for job seekers, apprentices, and workers.
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Capital Stream: Supports the construction, expansion, and upgrading of training facilities for skilled trades.
The upcoming second round of the Skills Development Fund Capital Stream will make over $74 million available for the development of new training centers, including those focused on construction, manufacturing technology, and healthcare. The application process for this round is designed to be faster, with continuous intakes allowing more businesses to access the funding they need. This also includes help with the upfront costs of developing construction proposals—such as technical plans and design drawings—which is particularly beneficial to small training providers.
A Hub for Innovation and Talent
The facility is expected to train over 1,600 job seekers, including youth, Indigenous Peoples, and newcomers, who will have an opportunity to enter the construction industry through hands-on experience. The government’s focus on equity and inclusion means this investment is expected to have a far-reaching impact, especially in underrepresented communities.
The Bigger Picture: Ontario's Construction Boom
With 221 cranes currently in operation in Toronto alone, Premier Ford highlighted how important skilled trades are to the Ontario economy. The province is undergoing a construction boom unlike anything it has seen before, from housing developments to critical infrastructure projects.
The crane training center will provide a timely boost to the construction workforce as many current workers approach retirement age. According to the province, approximately one in three tradespeople will retire in the coming years, which makes initiatives like this one critical in addressing the looming labor shortage.
While the announcement made clear the province’s commitment to addressing the skills gap in construction, no specific timeline was provided for when construction of the crane training facility will begin or when it is expected to be completed.
The support from the Ontario government and the collaboration with the IUOE underlines a commitment to fostering excellence in the skilled trades. With $5 million allocated towards the crane training facility as part of the broader Skills Development Fund, this project stands as a testament to the province’s dedication to ensuring that Ontario remains a leader in the construction industry, both now and in the future.
