Labourers' Local 1059 Training Centre prepares for fall enrolment

This summer, the Labourers' Local 1059 held a grand opening at their Regional Training Centre at 56 Firestone Blvd. The original building, built in 1989, has been expanded to fit new shops, a classroom, large meeting rooms and a cafeteria. It is a 32,500 square foot facility, expanded from its original size of 12,500 square feet.

Following the grand opening of the training centre in late June, the Centre has been actively preparing for school enrolment, which begins October 31. Preparations have included negotiating and finalizing seat purchases with the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities; ensuring proper inventory of materials, supplies, tools and training consumables; and making sure instructors and staff are ready for training in the fall. Measures have also been taken to review the status of Local 1059 member apprentices and verify their performance on the job.

"Labourers' Local 1059 are actively involved in the greater London community," stated Training and Apprenticeship Coordinator Michael Ropp. "We often incorporate training programs or job creation projects to help charitable organizations complete work projects that may not otherwise get done due to fiscal or time constraints." This year, Local 1059 has completed projects for organizations including the London Food Bank, YMCA Children's Safety Village, Children's Museum and more.

Come October 31, there will be five programs with enrolment: Brick and Stone Mason apprenticeship, Construction Craft Worker apprenticeship, Cement Finisher apprenticeship, Construction Craft Worker preapprenticeship and Brick and Stone Mason pre-apprenticeship. In total, there will over 130 students expected in those classes.

The facility will also train over 1,200 members of the union in a number of safety certification courses including traffic control person, hoisting and rigging, scaffold safety, asbestos abatement worker training, chainsaw safety, ladder safety, first-aid and CPR certification, among others.

As in any apprentice trade, apprentices attend trade school by paying an administration fee of $450 for each level of school. All other training expenses are subsidized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Registered apprentices are also able to collect a Training Allowance (Employment Insurance) while in training. Labourers' Local 1059 pay an administration fee for each of its member apprentices.

For more information and to view pictures of the new training centre, visit liunalocal1059.com.