"Skills Development Fund: Unlocking Potential of Trade Unions"

Led by Minister David Piccini, this government has recognized the training opportunities unions provide and has given our training centres an opportunity to step up to meet industry demand. Our SDF programs support workers at every step in their journey, from pre-apprenticeship to writing the Red Seal exam to upskilling in an evolving construction job market. The Skills Development Fund has and will continue to change lives. Great piece from Carpenters’ Regional Council EST Jason Rowe.

In a week’s time our Scheme Provider, NFRC, will be hosting their Online Skills Forum. An opportunity to exchange ideas and best practices, to ultimately support success for new entrants, apprentices, and businesses. It’s great to see the NFRC bring together a community to discuss the challenges facing roofing recruitment. Back in March, Stuart Black AIoR & Ruth Scarrott were invited to our Parliamentary Reception to discuss how we can empower the Repair, Maintenance & Improvement (RMI) sector for a better future. Ruth played a key role in shaping our recent skills research, bringing valuable industry insight that helped us identify the opportunities and challenges the sector faces in building the workforce of tomorrow. We’re keen to see NFRC keep the conversation going. Only as a collective industry can we address the skills gap and help homeowners gain access to competent tradespeople https://lnkd.in/es6BeFUf

Amid the ongoing discussions around the Skills Development Fund, Business Manager Mike Gallagher believes, “If there’s been some findings which examine the process and how it could be improved, we would welcome that and have no issue with that whatsoever.” He also reaffirmed IUOE Local 793’s dedication to delivering high-quality training: “We’ve always wanted to provide the highest standards possible. And I believe our applications would have met any new standard that might be put in place.” In line with this commitment, Local 793 is planning to develop more training facilities in Hamilton, Sarnia, and Sudbury. These expansions will enhance access to training and create more opportunities for operating engineers across Ontario. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gerr-hbS #local793 #793strong #TrainingExcellence #hamilton #sudbury #sarniaontario #operatingengineers #oetio

💬 In construction, we pride ourselves on being tough. But sometimes, “tough” means carrying stress, pain, or addiction in silence. Across Canada and beyond, peer support programs are changing that. From Australia’s MATES program to new initiatives like The FORGE here in BC, workers are stepping up to help each other — on the jobsite and beyond. The idea is simple: tradeworkers supporting tradeworkers. People who’ve been there, ready to listen, connect, and guide their peers toward the right help. Just like apprentices learn from journeypersons, peer support builds strength through shared experience. Studies show 30–50% of men lost to opioid-related causes in BC were from the trades. We can’t afford to be silent. Programs like these remind us that building strong communities means looking out for each other, too. 🛠️💛 #PrinceGeorge #Quesnel #DawsonCreek #FortStJohn https://lnkd.in/gA-7Xc_A

A major new training initiative has been launched to equip individuals across South West Wales with the skills most in demand from employers, in a bid to strengthen the regional workforce and help people thrive in today’s fast-changing jobs market. Gower College Swansea Read more: https://lnkd.in/emxCfh57

GBCA has partnered with Philadelphia City Council on a new pilot program that helps Career and Technical Education (CTE) students earn their driver’s licenses—a key requirement for many trade unions and employers. Read more: https://ow.ly/kGLR50X3ZE8

We’re making it easier and more affordable for trades professionals to build their careers right here in Nova Scotia. 🛠️ Here's how: ✅ No more renewals for most trades certifications. ✅ Lower fees to challenge exams. ✅ Less red tape and more opportunities for workers. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/er4vmQs4

🎉 We are delighted to share that Hamelin is now an accredited ASDAN member! This means we can now offer a wide range of courses and training opportunities designed to encourage greater independence, confidence and employability. From Key Stage 2 through to Level 3, the nationally recognised qualifications will help people to: ✅ Prepare to live more independently ✅ Build skills for employment ✅ Gain confidence and achieve their goals This milestone has been made possible thanks to the generous funding from KBH Haus whose support has enabled Hamelin to gain the accreditation to deliver the ASDAN courses. To celebrate, we hosted a special launch event with the people we support and their families, joined by representatives from KBH Haus and Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/gWbx8ZrS

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has released updated 2025 assessments for workers’ compensation insurers and employers. These funds support critical programs, including workplace safety, fraud prevention, and benefits for injured workers. At CSU PaCE, we help California’s workforce leaders stay informed and prepared for evolving regulatory requirements through continuing education and professional development opportunities. Read the full DIR announcement: https://lnkd.in/dSGyS_JA

Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs give high school students a head start on their future! These courses not only prepare students for college and careers but also provide valuable on-the-job experience with employers. At Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), we’re proud to support CTE programs by providing workers’ compensation coverage for students, whether they’re gaining experience as vocational participants or working as paid employees. Investing in students today builds a stronger workforce for tomorrow. Learn more about how WSI supports CTE programs: https://ow.ly/Ct2y50WT8V2