Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn visited the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario in Morrisburg on April 17 to announce an investment of over $1.1 million dollars, approximately $500,000 of which would be used to ensure the domed structure would be available for the next generation of students. The balance will be used to expand training capacity, including space for an additional 36 youth and 18 Indigenous pre-apprentices specializing in heavy equipment operation. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – The Ontario government is investing more than $1.1 million to expand skilled trades training in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry, with funding aimed at upgrading facilities and increasing access for apprentices at the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) in Morrisburg.

The announcement was made by Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry MPP Nolan Quinn on April 17, just prior to graduation ceremonies at the institute. The $1,103,976 investment will support improvements to equipment and infrastructure at the training institute, while also creating new opportunities for youth and Indigenous participants entering the trades.

The funding, delivered through the province’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant and Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, will be used in part to replace the institute’s aging dome cover, a key structure that allows for year-round, hands-on training. The upgrades are expected to help reduce delays and ensure apprentices can train using equipment that reflects current industry standards.

Local MPP Nolan Quinn said the investment is intended to strengthen the region’s workforce and support growing demand in the skilled trades sector.

“Ontario is growing, and we need a talented skilled trades workforce to ensure our critical infrastructure grows right along with it,” Quinn said, noting the funding will help more students access training opportunities close to home.

“The reason I am here is it as well is to announce there’s an over $1 million dollar contribution. The majority of that will go towards the dome that’s out there. I’m recognizing that will help, when the weather is not the greatest, to be able to continue training.

“Over $500,000 will be for the building, to make sure that it’s there for the next generation of students,” added Quinn.

The improvements are also expected to expand training capacity, including space for an additional 36 youth and 18 Indigenous pre-apprentices specializing in heavy equipment operation.

Labour Minister David Piccini in a statement, said the province is continuing to invest in training programs to address workforce shortages and support economic growth.

“At a time when workers and families are looking for opportunity and certainty, we are helping more Ontarians train for in-demand careers while ensuring employers have the skilled talent they need,” said Piccini.

Rick Kerr, executive director of the training institute, said the funding will allow the organization to enhance training conditions and better prepare apprentices for careers in the field.

“With the Governments investment in infrastructure and mining development this funding will pay dividends in creating the next generation of well trained and highly skilled Operating Engineers,” said Kerr. “Through the Apprenticeship Capital Grant, OETIO will be able to replace its aging dome cover which will enable us to continue training year-round and in inclement weather conditions. This provides our apprentices an environment conducive to high quality training which will benefit them by completing their training on time and best preparing them for industry success.”

He added that the upgrades will help ensure consistent, high-quality training while supporting the next generation of operating engineers as demand grows in sectors such as infrastructure and mining.

The province estimates Ontario will need approximately 400,000 additional skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet demand tied to housing, infrastructure and industrial development. Currently, there are more than 95,000 registered apprentices across the province.

The demand for skilled trades workers is not a new development; the skilled trades shortage has been recognized for decades. The Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) for more than 20 years has been advocating for skilled trades development and a strengthened apprenticeship program, citing an aging workforce and insufficient new entrants, and there have been many initiatives across multiple governments that have sought to address the problem, some targeting four specific, underrepresented groups: First Nations peoples, persons with disabilities, new Canadians, and women.

Quinn was asked if, 20 years down the road we are we making any headway in finding a solution.

“Absolutely, we are. Even with females in the skilled trades,” said Quinn. “You know, I think the more we talk about skilled trades, the more we talk about a career for life, the more students see the possibility as well. So yes, we’ve seen significant increases in apprenticeships in the skill trades.”

The investment is part of broader provincial efforts to expand apprenticeship pathways and modernize training as Ontario’s labour market continues to evolve.