A major investment in skilled trades training is coming to Port Hope, with the Ontario government committing $9.8 million toward the construction of a new millwright training centre.
The new facility, led by UBC Millwright Local 2309, is expected to train 2,550 apprentices, journeypersons and new entrants over the next five years, helping prepare workers for jobs in Ontario’s energy, manufacturing, construction and industrial sectors.
The 44,986-square-foot facility will provide both classroom and hands-on training in areas including welding, rigging, alignment and industrial maintenance.
Trainees will also be able to obtain certifications in areas such as working at heights, confined spaces and equipment operation.
The centre will feature modern, industry-standard equipment and technology, including turbines, conveyor systems, welding equipment and robotic technologies.
The Ontario government says the investment is intended to help address the growing demand for skilled workers while giving people access to good-paying careers close to home.
“Ontario is building energy independence in the face of ongoing economic uncertainty,” said Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Minister David Piccini.
“This new training centre will prepare more workers with the skills employers need to build, maintain and modernize the projects that will power our province and fuel economic growth for decades.”
John Baker, Business Manager of UBC Millwright Local 2309, said the project represents an investment in the future of the skilled trades.
“This project is about investing in people and creating opportunities for the next generation of millwrights,” Baker said.
“With the support of the Ontario government’s Skills Development Fund Capital Stream and the Millwright Regional Council, we are building a training facility that will ensure workers develop the skills needed to build Ontario’s future.”
The province says the new centre will help protect and strengthen Ontario’s skilled trades workforce, particularly as demand grows and experienced workers retire.
There were approximately 43,300 millwrights employed in Ontario in 2025, with an average provincial wage of $40.47 per hour.
Ontario expects more than 400,000 skilled trades-related workers will be needed over the next decade to fill positions created by retirements and job growth.
The $9.8-million Port Hope investment is being made through the province’s Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, which is funded exclusively by the Ontario government.
To date, Ontario says it has committed $139.6 million through the capital stream to expand and modernize skilled trades training facilities across the province.
The government says the investments are part of its broader plan to build the workforce needed for major infrastructure projects, including homes, highways, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure.
For Port Hope, the new centre represents a significant addition to the local skilled trades training landscape and is expected to bring thousands of workers through its doors over the next five years.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
