SKILLED TRADES, STRONG COMMUNITIES Preparing Southwestern Ontario’s workforce for a safe, sustainable future Southwestern Ontario faces a growing need for skilled trade professionals. Training new talent to today’s rigorous industry standards — while supporting safe, fair working conditions — is critical to the region’s economic growth. Chartered in 1953, LiUNA Local 1059 today represents 6,000 members across Southwestern Ontario, providing hundreds of signatory contractors with skilled tradespeople who help build and maintain the region’s essential heavy civil infrastructure. By supporting this work, the union ensures communities benefit from reliable, high-quality development. Training and career readiness are central to Local 1059’s mission. Headquartered in London, its 100,000-square-foot Training Centre offers professional certifications and produces roughly 160 apprentices annually. Graduating apprentices often move on to long-term, rewarding careers with signatory contractors across the region, contributing to projects that touch every community. Members benefit from the latest tools, technology, and hands-on learning, ensuring they are prepared for the most complex and high-profile projects. The building also includes a Wellness Centre, giving them and their families access to exclusive optical, dental, and physiotherapy services. Building on this success, LiUNA Local 1059 is constructing a second Training Centre in Walkerton. This $12 million state-of-the-art facility will serve members in Grey, Bruce, Perth, and Huron counties. Operational in 2026, the centre will also help more apprentices gain hands-on experience and become work-ready, bolstering the regional workforce to ensure local infrastructure projects are well supported. Beyond training, LiUNA Local 1059 advocates for fair wages, strong pensions and benefits, and safer workplaces. The union also gives back to the communities where its members live and work, contributing in-kind labour and charitable support to strengthen local projects and organizations. Through their work, members take pride in building and maintaining the infrastructure that communities rely on every day. By combining professional development with advocacy and member support, the union helps create a skilled, reliable, and thriving workforce for Southwestern Ontario. Through its facilities, programs, and commitment to high standards, LiUNA Local 1059 not only prepares and protects the region’s trades professionals but also strengthens the communities they help build — creating a future that’s brighter for everyone.
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