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MISSISSAUGA — The Ontario government is investing over $1 million to help the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) offer 300 construction workers free, online and flexible training for leadership roles such as site supervisors, lead hands, forepersons and superintendents. This program will help construction sites operate safely and productively, while giving hundreds of current and aspiring leaders an opportunity to grow and move into in-demand positions.

Details were provided today by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, who was joined by Rudy Cuzzetto, MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore, and Sheref Sabawy, MPP for Mississauga-Erin Mills.

“Construction workers build the homes our families live in, the schools where we learn, and the hospitals and health care centres that care for us,” said Minister McNaughton. “Building the next generation of leaders in this industry, those who will be crucial to moving important projects forward, is essential to our communities and the strength of our economy. This project will offer workers high-quality training, on their own schedule and from anywhere in our province, so they can advance in their careers and earn more.”

Currently, it can be challenging for construction workers to attend multi-day, in-person training due to health and safety restrictions and heavy workloads on work sites. The new virtual initiative, called the Supervisor Micro-Certification Program, will offer training modules in topics such as health and safety compliance, coaching and mentoring, negotiation, performance evaluation and scheduling. Designed for ease of access, even from mobile devices, this training can be completed at a convenient time and location from anywhere in the province.

“CLAC is thrilled with this funding announcement and looks forward to working with employer partners, the Progressive Contractors Association of Canada (PCA), and other industry leaders to develop a leadership program that meets the needs of the modern and mobile learner,” said Colin de Raaf, CLAC Ontario Training Director. “CLAC’s Supervisor Micro-Certification Program will equip current and future on-site leaders with the skills to manage, mentor and coach apprentices and new entrants to construction, in what is a rapidly evolving work environment.”

The Supervisor Micro-Certification Program will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. Over time, CLAC will expand course offerings so that emerging superivsors can gain additional support and information.

Funding comes as part of the government’s $115 million Skills Development Fund to address challenges to hiring, training and retraining workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of the province’s 2021 Budget, Ontario’s Action Plan: Protecting People’s Health and Our Economy.

Quick Facts

Quotes

“Ontario’s construction workers are helping to drive our economic recovery in the Region of Peel through the revitalization of our waterfront and important infrastructure projects like Indwell’s Lakeshore Lofts. But the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant, long-term impact on the industry. I’m thrilled that our government is partnering with the Christian Labour Association of Canada, based here in Mississauga, to provide new opportunities for our hardworking construction workers, both for more flexible and improved training, and ultimately, for career advancement and leadership.”

– Rudy Cuzzetto
MPP for Mississauga-Lakeshore

“PCA is delighted to partner with CLAC in developing an innovative training program that allows construction supervisors to advance their skills and expand their leadership roles. We appreciate the government’s support as well as the insight and expertise of PCA member companies, who helped make this program possible.”

– Karen Renkema
vice president, Ontario, Progressive Contractors Association of Canada

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