At WalterFedy, we’re committed to creating solutions that fulfill today’s needs while preserving opportunities for the future. That is why we are excited to announce that on November 12th, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the new $25 million state-of-the art training facility located in the Township of Oro-Medonte, Ontario.
In partnership with Bird Construction, WalterFedy was selected by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) to perform a site assessment and design a new trade school, associated parking lot and training yard.
With workforce changes and evolving technology, there is an increase in the need for specialized training. The facility’s objective is to offer an array of modern amenities to support IUOE’s operations and provide the means for existing and prospective professionals in the region to learn practical and specialized skills. Accordingly, it will include not only classrooms and office space, but also a fully equipped training yard, simulation labs, and an operations garage—creating a comprehensive environment for both learning and hands-on practice.
“In our trade, there is zero room for error. Lives depend on the work that we do, including our own lives.” – Mike Gallagher, Business Manager of IUOE Local 793.
In response to 1 in 3 tradespeople retiring in the coming years, the Ontario government committed $5 million into this project via the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream. This program offers critical funding to support the construction of new training facilities, as well as the upgrading or conversion of existing ones, for emerging and in-demand jobs in Ontario’s key sectors.
“Our skilled trade workers are the backbone of this province, and you only need to look at our skylines to see it … we’re building like we never have before.” – Dave Piccini, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
