Ontario Investing in Apprenticeship Training in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

April 17, 2026

Grant funding supports upgrades to training facilities and equipment at the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute, to support in-demand jobs in the skilled trades

News

MORRISBURG— The Ontario government is investing $1,103,976 to expand apprenticeship training at the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute, which will equip more people in Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry with the tools and resources they need to land good paying, in-demand careers in the skilled trades. The funding is part of the government’s Apprenticeship Capital Grant program to improve and modernize equipment and training facilities that support hands-on learning for apprentices, as well as the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program which helps individuals gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to secure a job as an apprentice in the skilled trades.

“Ontario is growing, and we need a talented skilled trades workforce to ensure our critical infrastructure grows right along with it,” said Nolan Quinn, MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry.  “Through this investment, our government is ensuring that more students can access a modern, cutting-edge education at the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute that will launch them into successful, in-demand careers right in our community.”

With the funding from the Apprenticeship Capital Grant and the Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute will be modernizing its facilities to prevent training delays, including the replacement of its dome cover. It will also support the training of an additional 18 Indigenous and 36 youth pre-apprentice heavy equipment operators in SDG. These improvements will strengthen hands on training and give more people access to equipment that reflect current employer needs. The upgraded facilities will help prepare people for careers as heavy equipment operators, and support training providers in keeping pace with evolving technologies and industry demands.

“Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is taking decisive action to strengthen Ontario’s apprenticeship system and expand access to high-quality training,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “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 to build, grow and compete.”

“OETIO thanks the Ford Government for the Pre-Apprenticeship Funding which will provide 36 Youth and 18 Indigenous individuals with an opportunity to train in a trade which can provide a rewarding career with excellent wages, benefits and pension,” said Rick Kerr, Executive Director of International Union of Operating Engineers Training Institute. “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. 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.”

Ontario continues to take action to protect workers, businesses and communities by investing in skills training that responds to labour market needs. This investment will continue to develop our world class workforce, connect employers to skilled workers, support economic growth and build a stronger, more competitive and resilient Ontario.

Quick Facts

  • There are 144 skilled trades in Ontario.
  • Ontario will need an additional 400,000 skilled trades workers over the next decade to meet demand for housing, infrastructure, transit, energy and industrial projects.
  • One in six jobs in Ontario is expected to be in the skilled trades by 2034, underscoring the need to continue growing apprenticeship pathways and training capacity.
  • There are currently over 95,000 registered apprentices in Ontario.
  • In 2025, nearly 10,000 youth registered for an apprenticeship.
  • The Apprenticeship Capital Grant is supported by labour market transfer agreements between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Additional Resources

Media Contact:
Adrian Bugelli
Office of MPP Nolan Quinn
613-933-6513
Nolan.Quinn@pc.ola.org