Provincial funding aims to train 150 additional workers and support Northern Ontario’s economic growth
Thunder Bay, Ontario —
The Ontario government is expanding its investment in skilled trades training with the upgrade of a major ironworker training facility in Thunder Bay, a move aimed at addressing labour shortages and supporting long-term economic growth in Northern Ontario.
Backed by more than $644,000 from the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, the expansion of Ironworkers Local 759’s training centre is expected to train up to 150 additional structural and ornamental ironworkers over the next five years. The initiative focuses on equipping workers with practical skills in heavy machinery operation, blueprint reading, and welding—areas critical to the province’s construction and infrastructure sectors.
The announcement underscores Ontario’s broader strategy to strengthen its skilled trades workforce amid rising demand driven by population growth, infrastructure projects, and an aging workforce.
Expanding capacity to meet growing demand
The upgraded facility includes a modern classroom and a newly built welding space designed to support both hands-on and in-class instruction. Officials say the improvements will enhance training quality while increasing access for workers in Northern Ontario, reducing the need to relocate for certification and skills development.
“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 province says the expansion aligns with its plan to ensure workers have access to local, high-quality training that leads to stable, well-paying employment. By strengthening regional training infrastructure, Ontario aims to address labour shortages while supporting economic development across Northern communities.
Local impact and industry support
Industry representatives and local leaders say the investment will have a meaningful impact on workforce development in the region.
“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.”
The facility is designed to create clearer pathways from high school into the skilled trades, offering practical experience alongside classroom instruction. This approach is intended to improve job readiness while enhancing safety awareness and long-term career prospects.
Addressing labour shortages in construction
Ontario’s construction sector continues to face significant labour pressures. In 2025, approximately 577,500 people were employed in the industry, and projections indicate that more than 400,000 skilled trades workers will be needed over the next decade to replace retirees and meet growing demand.
Local officials emphasized that targeted investments in training infrastructure are critical to sustaining economic momentum in the region.
“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
Broader provincial investment
The Thunder Bay expansion is part of a larger provincial effort to modernize and expand training infrastructure. To date, Ontario has committed $129.2 million through the Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, with funding directed toward projects that enhance training capacity and improve access to skilled trades education.
Applications for the SDF Capital Stream remain open on an ongoing basis, allowing organizations across the province to seek funding for similar initiatives.
Officials say these investments are designed not only to address immediate labour shortages but also to build a more resilient and competitive economy by connecting workers with in-demand careers and supporting employers with a steady pipeline of skilled talent.
As Ontario continues to invest in workforce development, projects like the Ironworkers Local 759 expansion highlight the province’s focus on regional training solutions to meet both current and future economic needs.