THUNDER BAY, ONT. — The federal government has announced it is allocating $181,000 to the Labourers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 607 in Thunder Bay, Ont. for its Mobile Training Classroom: Removing Barriers to Train project.
This funding is intended to help Local 607 provide better training to approximately 300 apprentices who live throughout the Thunder Bay region, said a Jan. 23 release. The Mobile Training Classroom will provide training opportunities on worksites and will be a part of outreach efforts to Indigenous people, women and those who face barriers to entering the skilled trades.
The courses offered will focus on the construction craft worker and concrete (cement) finisher Red Seal trades. During the first year of the project, at least seven courses will be offered and at least 12 will be offered in the second year.
“Canada’s future success depends on building an economy that is as inclusive as it is innovative. That’s why our government is helping those who face barriers to participate and succeed in the skilled trades to start exciting and well-paying careers right here in Thunder Bay,” commented Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour Patty Hajdu in the statement.
“On behalf of LIUNA we applaud Minister Hajdu’s announcement to improve accessibility to training programs throughout Thunder Bay. For over a decade, LIUNA Local 607 representing Thunder Bay has been working together with various training partners in order to meet the demands of membership and community. Today’s announcement will expand training and education resources across northwestern Ontario,” said Joseph Mancinelli, LIUNA international vice-president and regional manager of central and eastern Canada.
Great idea to adapt training for the geography they need to cover.