Toronto Pearson invests $1.57 million to grow skilled trades and improve local job opportunities

Toronto Pearson has announced $1.57 million in funding through its Uplift Fund, supporting 11 local organisations focused on workforce development and expanding the skilled trades sector in communities surrounding the airport. Over 2,000 residents from areas including Brampton, Mississauga, and Etobicoke will benefit from training, job placements, and career coaching.

The funding supports two streams: addressing employment barriers and growing the construction skilled trades workforce – the latter aligning with Toronto Pearson’s long-term infrastructure goals. The airport is also expanding the initiative to reach more communities across the Pearson Economic Zone over the next three years.

“Toronto Pearson understands the importance of partnering with community organisations, as we move forward with plans to build the airport of the future,” said Deborah Flint, President and CEO of Toronto Pearson. “The Uplift Fund is just one way we’re catalysing economic growth and helping to build a skilled workforce that represents the broad experiences of people in the region. We are committed to opening doors, removing barriers, and creating opportunity for people who live and work within our community.”

The Uplift Fund is part of the Propeller Project and has contributed over $5 million in community funding since 2018.

Construction skilled trades stream

• ACCES Employment: Connecting newcomers to construction apprenticeships.

• Afro Canadian Contractors Association: Skills training for BIPOC contractors.

• Building Up: Career support for marginalised individuals in trades.

• Skills for Change: Leadership training for racialised women in green trades.

Workforce development stream

• Achev: Job support for low-income residents.

• CNIB: Career development for individuals with sight loss.

• Hospitality Workers Training Centre: Leadership training for racialised women in hospitality.

• Humber College: Communication training for internationally educated professionals.

• The DAM: Youth workforce readiness and certifications.

• The King’s Trust Canada: Skills development for young jobseekers.

• YWCA Toronto: Career planning and support for women and gender-diverse individuals.

Learn more here.

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