Ontario Investing in Apprenticeship Training in Thunder Bay
- Apr 7
- 3 min read
Grant funding supports upgrades to training facilities and equipment at LIUNA 607 and Vedic Cultural Centre, helping prepare workers for in-demand skilled trades careers
News Release | April 7th, 2026
THUNDER BAY — The Ontario government is investing more than $409,000 to expand apprenticeship training at LIUNA Local 607 and the Vedic Cultural Centre, helping more people in Thunder Bay gain the skills and experience needed for good-paying, in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
This investment is part of the government’s annual $29 million commitment through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program, which supports upgrades to training facilities and equipment to ensure apprentices receive hands-on learning that reflects current industry standards.
“Thunder Bay has a strong workforce and a proud history in the skilled trades,” said The Hon. Kevin Holland, MPP for Thunder Bay–Atikokan. “This investment will help more people access hands-on training, connect with local employers, and build rewarding careers right here in our community, while supporting the growth of our regional economy.”
Through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant program, Ontario is supporting training delivery agents across the province to strengthen apprenticeship opportunities in 2025–26.
$225,064 - LIUNA Local 607 will use this funding in 2026 to deliver back-to-back training in the Red Seal trades of Construction Craft Worker and Cement Finisher. The program will include 12 weeks of in-class training followed by 12 weeks of on-the-job experience, supporting participants as they transition directly into employment.
$184,000 - The Vedic Cultural Centre will use this funding to support culinary training by upgrading equipment and enhancing training capacity. This investment will provide participants with hands-on experience while helping them develop practical, job-ready skills and strengthening the centre’s ability to serve the community.
“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, the Pre Apprenticeship program at LIUNA Local 607 will to support 12 apprentices with meaningful training to employment with Local 607. LIUNA will strengthen handson training and give more people access to equipment that reflect current employer needs. LIUNA will prepare trainees with Level 1 training in Construction Craft Worker and Cement Finishing with the financial support that Training Delivery Agents require in keeping pace with evolving technologies and industry demands.
“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 607. “ It serves as a vital pipeline to fill high-demand labor shortages by giving trainees, particularly from underrepresented groups, practical experience, work placements, and a clear path into competitive apprenticeship opportunities.”
“We are grateful to MPP Holland and the Ontario government for supporting this initiative.” Said Dr. Prashant Jani, Director of the Vedic Cultural Centre. “This funding will help us provide hands-on culinary training and create pathways to meaningful employment for individuals in our community.”
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.
