Ontario Expands Ironworker Training Centre in Thunder Bay
- Apr 23
- 3 min read
Facility upgrades will help train an additional 150 workers for good-paying, in-demand jobs over the next five years
News Release | April 23rd, 2026
THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is celebrating the expansion of a major training centre in Thunder Bay. Supported by an investment of over $644,000 through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, Ironworkers Local 759’s training centre expansion will help train up to 150 additional structural and ornamental workers in heavy machinery, blueprint reading and welding over the next five years, strengthening the province’s skilled trades workforce and protecting Northern Ontario’s economic growth.
This investment is part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario by ensuring the next generation of skilled workers have access to the world-class training they need to pursue rewarding, good-paying careers in the skilled trades. By expanding capacity and access to local, high-quality training, Ontario is unlocking its economic potential and preparing workers for rewarding, in-demand careers.
“Northern Ontario is a pivotal region for our economic future, and that’s why we’re investing in workers and expanding access to high quality training close to home,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “By investing in world-class training facilities like this, our government is helping workers build rewarding careers in the skilled trades close to home so they can deliver the critical nation-building projects that will shape Ontario’s future.”
The new facility includes a modern classroom and a new welding space. Through a combination of hands-on, in-class training, this facility prepares participants with the skills, safety awareness and experience needed to meet workplace demands and to support clear pathways from high school to a rewarding, lifelong career.
“This investment and partnership means a lot to us at Local 759. It helps us train the next generation of Ironworkers right here in Northern Ontario, close to home,” said Adam MacGillivray, Business Manager / FS.T., International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers, Local 759. “By growing our facility, we’re giving our members and future generations the hands-on training, safety knowledge, and real-world experience they need to succeed, while continuing to build a stronger, more connected community.”
To date, Ontario has committed $129.2 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream to expand and modernize training facilities across the province. These investments are protecting workers and strengthening Ontario’s workforce by connecting people to in-demand careers, supporting employers and building a more competitive, resilient economy.
Quick Facts
Applications for the SDF Capital Stream are accepted on an ongoing basis.
There were 577,500 people employed in Ontario’s construction sector in 2025.
It is expected that over 400,000 skilled trades workers will be needed over the next decade to fill job openings due to retirements and job growth.
The SDF Capital Stream is funded exclusively by the Government of Ontario.
Quotes
"I welcome our government’s investment of over $600,000 to Ironworkers Local 759. This funding helped expand their training centre and support the training of more skilled trades workers. Investments like these are critical to strengthening our local workforce and ensuring people have access to good-paying, in demand careers. It also helps meet the growing need for skilled labour across Northwestern Ontario as our region continues to grow and attract new opportunities. I want to thank Ironworkers Local 759 for their ongoing commitment to training the next generation of skilled tradespeople." - Kevin Holland MPP, Thunder Bay–Atikokan
"This investment strengthens our community by creating real opportunities for people in Thunder Bay and across the North. Expanding local training means our residents can access skilled trades careers close to home, support local employers and help build the infrastructure and projects that drive long-term economic stability for our region." - Ken Boshcoff Mayor of Thunder Bay
