Ontario Invests $1.8 Million to Expand Windsor UBCJA Training Centre

By: Matt Weingarden, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter

The Ontario government is investing $1.8 million into the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) Local 494, with a focus on expanding its training centre in Windsor. The funding will go toward constructing a two-story addition that will provide new shop and office spaces, along with 5,612 square feet of additional training space.

This investment is part of a broader $27-million commitment from the Ontario government to enhance carpentry training across the province. The funding will be used to expand existing training facilities in Windsor, London, Cambridge, and Ottawa, and support the construction of a new carpentry training facility in Sudbury. The expanded capacity will support training for an additional 2,600 workers in Ontario’s construction industry.

Andrew Dowie, Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) for Windsor Tecumseh, expressed pride in the investment, saying it would benefit both local workers and the broader community.

“I’m proud to see UBCJA Local 494 and Windsor’s skilled trades sector receive this critical funding for training centre expansion,” Dowie said. “This investment enhances local workforce skills and creates new opportunities, ensuring we’re building a stronger, more resilient economy.”

Premier Doug Ford emphasized the importance of supporting workers amid economic challenges, including tariff threats to Ontario workers.

“It’s crucial that we continue investing in workers to ensure they have the skills they need to thrive,” Ford said. “Today’s investment will support over 2,600 workers in the skilled trades, helping them secure better jobs and larger paychecks across Ontario.”

Ontario is also investing up to $14 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Training Stream to support the expansion of UBCJA’s Carpenters’ Regional Council Workforce Development Program. The program, which will expand into industries like manufacturing and healthcare, is expected to train up to 1,450 additional workers.

David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, highlighted the long-term benefits of the investment.

“By investing in carpenter training, we’re preparing the next generation of workers, including women and young people, to build Ontario’s future,” Piccini said. “A career in the skilled trades offers lifelong opportunities for success.”

Ontario’s SDF program is designed to help meet the growing demand for skilled workers. Over the next decade, the province anticipates needing more than 500,000 workers in skilled trades occupations. These investments are crucial for ensuring Ontario has the skilled workforce necessary to meet future demands.

Since the SDF’s launch in 2021, Ontario has committed up to $1.4 billion to support training infrastructure and programs. The funding aims to help build and expand training facilities that will impact more than one million workers across the province.

For more information on the SDF Capital Stream and application guidelines, visit Ontario’s Transfer Payment Ontario site.