What is Construction & Skilled Labour?

The construction industry is the backbone of our economy. Skilled tradespeople work on a variety of construction and infrastructure projects like high-rise, low-rise, and residential buildings, bridges, highways, roads, demolition, sewers, water mains, sidewalks, curbs, and lots more!

Is a Career in Construction or Skilled Labour right for you?

Take the Quiz to Find Out!

Step 1 of 11

A Guide to Your Rewarding Apprenticeship

The Process

  • 1Pre-apprentice Screening Program

    The screening process includes an application, plus a 45-minute physical and hands-on interview involving our Training Director and the local's Business Representatives.

    How are you rated?

    Applicants are rated on a scale of 1 to 10 in areas including: Preparedness, Math, Communication Skills, Construction Skills, General Aptitude, and Physical Ability. Applicants are then given an overall rating between 1 and 10.

    Requirements to pass:

    Only those with a rating of 8 or higher are considered for membership and/or apprenticeship programs.

  • 2Pre-apprentice program

    6 weeks preparation for your 90-day probationary work period

    What should you expect?

    Join rigorous safety certification training and boot camp exercises to get ready for fieldwork through hands-on experience and hard work.

    What we expect from you:

    Arrive daily, ready to tackle the day with hard work, motivation, effort, dedication, and a positive attitude conducive to learning and growth in the construction field.

  • 390-day probationary work period

    Next, you'll join the workforce with a union employer for a minimum three-month probationary period, where you'll put your skills to the test out in the field.

  • 4Become a registered member and apprentice

    Complete the required log book, on-the-job working hours, and scheduled trade school sessions to earn your Certificate of Apprenticeship, then pass the provincial Red Seal exam to earn your Certificate of Qualification.

Apprenticeship Programs

CONSTRUCTION CRAFT WORKER

A Construction Craft Worker (CCW) is involved in site preparation, clean-up, material handling, excavation, backfill/compaction and dismantling on and around buildings, structures or premises. The CCW may also be involved in formsetting and stripping, concrete placing and finishing, pipelaying, and mason tendering.

About the Apprenticeship

The CCW Apprenticeship Program is similar to other apprenticeships in that the apprentice attends two eight-week in-school sessions in between two to three periods of paid work experience, each lasting approximately ten months. The apprentice keeps a logbook outlining competencies learned on the job.

Specializations

CCW apprentices specialize in one of the following sectors:

Curb, Gutters and Sidewalk (Formsetter, Cement Finisher)
Sewer and Watermain (Pipelayer)
High Rise and Low Rise Forming (Formsetter)
Industrial, Commercial and Institutional
Masonry (Tender, Forklift)
Utility Distribution
Road Work
Demolition
Restoration

When Training Occurs

CCW in-school sessions are scheduled by the MLTSD (Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development). All courses take place between October and May of each year.

Course Content

The in-school apprenticeship standard is the same one used at all other approved TDAs (Training Delivery Agents) across Ontario, and is approved by the MLTSD. Topics covered during the 16-week program include:

Construction Safety I & II
Blueprints and Specifications I & II
Construction Tools I & II
Equipment Handling Practices and Procedures I & II
Rigging, Hoisting and Material Handling I & II
Introduction to Formwork I & II
Introduction to Concrete I & II
Introduction to Scaffolding I & II
Earthwork, Barriers and Controls I & II

CEMENT FINISHER

A Cement (Concrete) Finisher installs concrete structures including interior floors and exterior pavements using several methods of construction to produce a variety of finishes, colours and textures in all types of residential, institutional, commercial and industrial buildings.

About the Apprenticeship

The Cement Finisher Apprenticeship Program is similar to other apprenticeships in that the apprentice attends two eight-week in-school sessions in between two to three periods of paid work experience, each lasting approximately 10 months. The apprentice keeps a logbook outlining competencies learned on the job.

Specializations

Curb, Gutters and Sidewalk (Cement Finisher)

When Training Occurs

CCW in-school sessions are scheduled by the MLTSD (Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development). All courses take place between October and May of each year.

Course Content

The in-school apprenticeship standard is the same one used at all other approved TDAs (Training Delivery Agents) across Ontario and is approved by the MLTSD. Topics covered during the 16-week program include:

History and Scope of Cement (Concrete) Finisher Trade
Communications and Presentation
Trade Calculations and Quantities
Pictorial Drawings and Layout Tools
Construction Safety
Hand Tools
Power Tools and Equipment
Concrete Technology
Site Preparation
Place and Level Concrete
Finish Concrete
Concrete Curing and Protection
Cut Concrete
Repair and Resurface Specialty Concrete
Architectural Finishes
Introduction to Epoxy Systems

Hazardous Material Worker London Ontario

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL WORKER 253H (HMW)

A Hazardous Material Worker identifies, removes, packages, transports and disposes of hazardous materials such as asbestos, mould, lead, mercury, and other biological hazards.


About the Apprenticeship

The Hazardous Material Worker Apprenticeship Program is similar to other apprenticeships, however the apprentice attends one 4-week in-school session in between a period of paid work experience. The apprentice keeps a logbook outlining competencies learned on the job.

Specializations

Hazardous Material Worker apprentices specialize in one of the following sectors:



Demolition

Restoration

Abatement and Remediation

When Training Occurs

 

Hazardous Material Worker in-school sessions are scheduled by the MLTSD (Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development).

Course Content

The in-school apprenticeship standard is the same one used at all other approved TDAs (Training Delivery Agents) across Ontario, and is approved by the MLTSD. Topics covered during the 4-week program include:

Worker Protection and Hygiene Practices
Biological Hazards
Hazard Protection and Equipment
Physical Hazards
Site Isolation
Asbestos Types 1, 2, and 3
Abatement Operations
Environmental Protection
Inspections

I'm 36 years old and I recently decided on a career change. I love learning and I love working with my hands, so something in construction was what I was looking for. I happened upon an ad for LiUNA 1059, I applied, and now I am 2 months into their pre-apprenticeship program and absolutely loving it. I'm learning something new every day on the job site, and I'm learning skills that I can use for the rest of my life.

Daniel Zandwyk
London, Ontario

For me personally, the biggest benefit to the training was the practical experience and knowledge of the instructors. It was great to be able to see how people who have been in the field for years approach the standard jobs and tasks we were introduced to during our first season. Having the best practices demonstrated and the reasoning behind them explained was invaluable.

Chris Donald
London, Ontario

I have only been a part of LiUNA Local 1059 for about a year, and in that year my life has changed a lot. LiUNA has provided me with all the training I need to strive and be my absolute best. They've given me the chance to prove what I am worth and help me to succeed in every way possible. I would recommend this career path to anyone. Competitive wages and amazing benefits!

James Harford
London, Ontario

Like what you see?

Fill out our Pre-Apprentice Application form.
Pre-Apprentice Application Form

Why Training Matters

When it comes to providing work to our members, we don’t just take the person from the top of the dispatch list. We assess the skills and qualifications of each member to match the right person to the right job. This process stems from our deep-rooted commitment in finding optimal job satisfaction for our members, as well as providing skilled and productive workers for our employers. With that said, the best way to develop career opportunities is to enhance your skill set through continuous training provided by LiUNA Local 1059.
Our 90,000 square foot facility in London allows experienced trainers to deliver cutting-edge construction industry training to new apprentices, pre-apprentices, registered apprentices, and hundreds of LiUNA member journeypersons each year.
To ensure that curriculum content is up-to-date, training is conducted by sector-specific professionals who are contracted for the duration of the course and who return to their respective positions in the construction industry when training is complete.

Your Guide to Becoming a Skilled Labourer

Parents & Guidance Counsellors

As you may have heard, the Province of Ontario is facing a significant skilled trades shortage. The Boomer generation is phasing into retirement, and there are not enough skilled tradespeople in the current market to fill those jobs. As a result, careers in the skilled trades are in higher demand than ever before. These are well-paid, satisfying jobs that come with a comprehensive benefits package, pension, and job security. Local 1059 has a vested interest in ensuring young people are made aware of the broad range of career options available to them. Many parents and guidance counsellors are more familiar with the university and college post-secondary options, and you might be less familiar with the skilled trades. You may have some questions about what a skilled trades education looks like, or what this career path could mean for your son or daughter. We are always happy to answer questions, provide further information, and even schedule a class or individual visit to our state-of-the-art, hands-on Training Centre so your child or class can try their hand at the skilled trades. Get in touch with our Training Director, Mike Ropp, at 519-455-8083 ext. 237 or mropp@liuna1059.ca to book a visit or learn more.

Have Questions About Our Training Programs?

Check out our FAQ page to find out more!
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