Was it “love at first job site” for your construction career?
SiteTalent wants to help others fall head over heels with helmets, hard hats and hammers. Today the company is officially launching to attract high caliber talent to the industrial sector.
The team thought it was only fitting to make the announcement on Feb. 14th, releasing a heartfelt love letter to the sector.
In the announcement the SiteTalent Team highlights their passion for the industrial sector – and the people that work in it. Talent is everything in the construction industry – and SiteTalent wanted to share the love.
“We know the industry is powered by talented people – and we wanted to provide an end-to-end talent solution for fast growing and dynamic companies ,” wrote SiteTalent. “We love this industry and share your passion for people.”
The SiteTalent team, part of the growing Site Team, noted that they are not interested in providing typical recruitment services.
“We are not a recruiter,” said Amelia Watt, Talent Partner with the company. “We go far beyond the typical recruiter experience, focusing on building full service solutions that deliver for companies. We are all about connecting jobseekers with the role of their dreams and providing clients with someone who can drive growth. We are a true full-package solution for building your A-list team.”
They aren’t interested in a fling. Rather than a transactional approach of parachuting in to get hires and then moving on, SiteTalent aims to use embedded teams, marketing strategies and onboarding expertise to partner with clients for the longterm.
SiteTalent also isn’t juggling multiple relationships. It has a specialized focus on the industrial sector. It can leverage deep industry knowledge, extensive experience, and a robust network to attract elite talent with leading companies. It’s a unique industry with unique quirks. SiteTalent has this dialed in.
It’s an approach that is already generating results.
Pre-Launch, SiteTalent has started to work with innovative and leading companies, including general contractors, design firms, product manufacturers and more.
SiteTalent’s team explained that construction doesn’t get done with just bulldozers, cranes and computers. It’s powered by people.
“Everything we do is to elevate the industrial sector, and the biggest, most critical component of the sector is the human beings that build the world around us,” said Andrew Hansen, Founder of Site. “We can’t complete that mission without helping companies connect with top talent.”
Staffing the industry has long been one of its biggest challenges. According to BuildForce Canada, the industry could face a recruiting gap of more than 85,000 workers by 2033.
This shortage is driven by multiple factors, including an aging workforce. The consequences of this labor deficit are significant for Canada’s economy and housing market. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has stated that approximately 5.8 million new houses need to be built by 2030 to recover affordability in the country’s housing sector.
To partner with SiteTalent and find your perfect match, visit sitetalent.ca.
Key Takeaways:
Cooper Equipment Rentals strengthens its presence in both Eastern and Western Canada with the acquisitions of Rent All Centre, Skyhigh Platforms, and Big Stick Rentals, enhancing its service network and coverage.
The acquisitions will improve equipment availability, efficiency, and service flexibility, ensuring better access and faster response times for customers across Ontario and Alberta.
Cooper remains dedicated to being Canada’s leading independent rental company, expanding with a focus on maintaining service quality, operational excellence, and strong company values.
The Whole Story:
Cooper Equipment Rentals Limited has announced the acquisitions of Rent All Centre and Skyhigh Platforms in Ontario, and Big Stick Rentals in Alberta. These strategic additions extend Cooper’s reach in both Eastern and Western Canada.
Rent All Center and Skyhigh Platforms
Founded in 1973, Rent All Centre (RAC) and Skyhigh Platforms have served contractors and businesses with general rental and aerial equipment. Their full-service rental locations across Cobourg, Port Hope, Peterborough (two branches), Belleville, and Trenton, along with Skyhigh’s aerial specialty location in Whitby, will now operate under the Cooper banner.
“It is with great pride that we have now joined another Canadian owned company, to continue the path we’ve been walking. The Cooper family will continually improve on our already excellent service and reputation,” stated Brian Wheatley, President.
This acquisition enhances Cooper’s service footprint in Peterborough and the 401 corridor, complementing its existing network in Toronto, Oshawa, Kingston, and Ottawa. Cooper stated that the integration of RAC and Skyhigh will create seamless equipment sharing and expanded resources, increasing efficiency and availability for customers.
Big Stick
With a modern fleet and a prime location in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Big Stick Rentals has built a reputation for reliability and service excellence since its founding in 2013. Under the leadership of Kevin Bjornson, the company has become a key player in Northern Alberta’s rental market.
“I never expected to find a large partner who shared the same core values and culture as our little company. As I learned more about Cooper, it became evident that the small family who made large contributions to Big Stick Rentals’ success would be well taken care of in the Cooper family,” said Bjornson.
Big Stick’s strategic location in Grande Prairie strengthens Cooper’s coverage in Western Canada, enabling broader geographic reach, equipment availability, and service flexibility across Alberta and beyond.
National vision
For Doug Dougherty, CEO of Cooper, these acquisitions represent more than geographic expansion – they reinforce Cooper’s commitment to being Canada’s only truly national, independent rental company.
“At Cooper, we don’t just grow for the sake of growth – we expand with purpose,” said Dougherty. “Bringing these respected businesses into the Cooper family means we’re strengthening our service, growing our footprint, and staying true to what matters most: delivering the best rental experience in the industry.”
Brian Spilak, COO of Cooper, highlighted the operational advantages of the expansion:
“For our customers, these acquisitions mean more access to the equipment they need, where and when they need it. By expanding our network, we’re not just adding locations – we’re investing in better service, faster response times, and deeper local expertise. Whether it’s a small contractor or a major project, we’re ensuring they have the right equipment and support to keep their jobs moving forward.”
Ontario is investing in the construction of a new carpenter training facility in Sudbury and expanding four existing facilities in London, Windsor, Cambridge, and Ottawa. This initiative aims to train an additional 2,600 carpenters and construction workers across the province, addressing the growing demand for skilled trades.
The province is allocating $13 million through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream to expand training capabilities across five union locals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA). Additionally, $14 million will support a broader Workforce Development Program to train up to 1,450 carpenters, targeting diverse industries and empowering underrepresented groups.
With Ontario projected to require over 500,000 skilled trades workers in the next decade, this investment focuses on training the next generation, including women, youth, and individuals from Northern and Indigenous communities. The programs aim to create accessible pathways to meaningful, lifelong careers in the skilled trades.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing nearly $27 million through two funding streams to help train more skilled carpentry workers across the province. The funding will expand training programs and support the construction of a new carpenter training facility in Sudbury and expand four existing facilities in London, Windsor, Cambridge and Ottawa to train an additional 2,600 carpenters and construction workers across the province.
“In the face of tariff threats to Ontario workers and jobs, it’s more important than ever that we keep investing in our workers, so they have the skills and training they need to succeed,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s investment will help more than 2,600 workers find rewarding careers in the skilled trades, so they can secure better jobs and bigger paycheques in communities across Ontario.”
The following five union locals of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA) will receive up to $13 million in funding to train an additional 1,175 carpenters through the Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream:
UBCJA Local 2486 is receiving $3,192,261 for the construction of a new training centre in Sudbury that will create training and career opportunities for people from Northern and Indigenous communities.
UBCJA Local 494 is receiving $1,806,028 for a two-story addition to their existing training centre in Windsor that will create new shop and office spaces and approximately 5,612 sq. ft. of training space.
UBCJA Local 1946 is receiving $1,181,608 for an expansion project in London that will include a 5,300 sq. ft. addition to their existing facility for carpentry and drywalling.
UBCJA Local 785 is receiving $3,492,683 to expand their facility in Cambridge by approximately 60 per cent. The expansion would include more training floorspace, add four larger classrooms, a full functioning shop, washrooms, an exercise room and a meeting hall.
UBCJA Training Centre Local 93 in Ottawa is receiving $3,203,651 for the expansion of their existing facility.
Ontario is also investing up to $14 million through the SDF Training Stream to support the expansion of UBCJA’s Carpenters’ Regional Council Workforce Development Program to include other industries, such as manufacturing and health care workers. The innovative training program will train up to 1,450 carpenters by bringing together UBCJA locals and training centres, employers and key community partners to develop a resilient workforce and empower workers with barriers to education and meaningful employment.
“By investing in carpenter training, we are helping to train the next generation of workers – including women and young people – to build Ontario’s bright future,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration Training and Skills Development. “Workers can benefit from the wisdom of experienced tradespeople, gain the necessary skills for lifelong careers in the construction trades and unlock their potential. Because a career in the skilled trades is for everyone.”
Over the next decade, Ontario is expected to need more than 500,000 workers to fill job openings in skilled trades-related occupations. Ontario’s total investment through the Skills Development Fund is up to $1.4 billion.
The Ontario government is investing $3 million over three years in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to help 650 active and former Canadian Armed Forces members transition to civilian careers in the construction sector, addressing both veteran needs and a skilled labor shortage in Ontario.
The investment will allow Helmets to Hardhats Canada to expedite skills training and offer safety and specialized certifications for in-demand construction roles, with specific outreach for racialized and Indigenous veterans, as well as veterans with disabilities.
Including previous contributions, Ontario’s total support for Helmets to Hardhats exceeds $4.7 million, alongside the newly introduced Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, which emphasizes the province’s commitment to supporting veterans and commemorating their service.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing $3 million over three years in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to help 650 active and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members transition to civilian life by training them for careers in Ontario’s construction sector.
Officials say this investment will help fill a gap in Ontario’s employment and training resources, while addressing the unique needs and experiences of our military veterans.
“We owe our veterans, who have put their lives on the line in defence of our freedom, safety and values, a debt that we can never fully repay,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s announcement is just one way our government is working to give back, so veterans can transition from the armed forces to rewarding careers in the skilled trades with the support and training they need. This week, we also introduced the Honouring Veterans Act, 2024, to ensure we always remember the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform.”
With this investment, Helmets to Hardhats Canada will be able to expand job-ready skills training to more veterans and accelerate their pathways from active military service to apprenticeships in construction by two to three months. Helmets to Hardhats Canada will also be able to deliver access to critical safety training and specialized certifications for in-demand careers and expand their outreach programs for racialized and Indigenous veterans and those with disabilities.
David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, (left) meets with workers.
“We have a social contract with our military servicemen and women who protect our country and preserve our freedoms, which means we have a responsibility to ensure they have a civilian life to transition to when their service is complete,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “With around 8,000 Canadian Armed Forces members released from service every year, our government is proud to work with Helmets to Hardhats and unions to deliver job-ready training to veterans that leverages their expertise and experience, and lands them in a new career. Because a career in construction is more than a paycheque – it offers a stable future and a community of workers who have your back.”
The government also supports Helmets to Hardhats Canada through Ontario’s Skills Development Fund Training Stream, investing over $915,000 to open new pathways to 105 participants into Ontario’s unionized construction sector and develop customized training for senior cadets. This brings Ontario’s total investment in Helmets to Hardhats Canada to over $4.7 million.
McNaughton emphasized the importance of skilled trades in building Canada and highlighted efforts in both Ontario and Alberta to attract and support skilled workers, including newcomers, to address labour shortages and enhance local economies.
He focused on making the trades more inclusive, particularly for women, by introducing measures such as properly fitting PPE and women-only facilities on job sites, aiming to create a more welcoming and equitable work environment.
He discussed Ontario’s “Working for Workers” reforms, which introduced significant labour rights improvements, such as banning non-compete clauses, enhancing rights for gig workers, and guaranteeing washroom access for truck drivers, reflecting a broader commitment to worker empowerment.
The Whole Story:
Ontario’s former Minister of Labour, Monte McNaughton, may have exited politics, but he is still advocating for the construction sector.
McNaughton delivered a keynote speech at Premier Danielle Smith’s third annual Summit on Fairness for Newcomers in Calgary, focusing on the importance of skilled trades and government efforts to support newcomers and workers across Canada.
Speaking at the summit, McNaughton emphasized the critical role tradespeople play in building the country, building it from coast to coast to coast. He praised Premier Smith’s leadership and highlighted the partnership between Alberta and Ontario, both of which have shared initiatives to bolster the trades and welcome skilled newcomers.
McNaughton meets with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Reflecting on his time as Minister of Labour, McNaughton underscored the need to shift societal perceptions of skilled trades, which he described as “meaningful, well-paying, and exciting” careers. He pointed to Ontario’s success in increasing apprenticeship registrations by 24%, including a 30% rise in the number of women entering the trades.
McNaughton’s efforts in Ontario included the launch of the “Level Up” skilled trades career fairs and the creation of Skilled Trades Ontario, a new agency aimed at streamlining the path to becoming a tradesperson. These initiatives, he explained, were designed to address the long-standing challenges in attracting youth to the trades, starting as early as Grade One to get students excited about careers in fields like carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
He also focused on making the skilled trades more inclusive for women.
“For far too long, the skilled trades have been unwelcoming to many women,” McNaughton said, highlighting legislation that mandated properly fitting personal protective equipment (PPE) for women in construction, ending the days of “pink it and shrink it.” Ontario also introduced rules requiring private, enclosed washrooms on job sites, including at least one women-only facility.
McNaughton also touched on his work in supporting newcomers, particularly in skilled trades. He lauded Alberta’s and Ontario’s efforts to give provinces more control over immigration, allowing them to better meet local labour market needs.
“Provinces should have a greater say in the immigration system—both in selecting the skilled immigrants our provinces need and in terms of numbers,” he stated.
Monte McNaughton meets with training group Hammer Heads during his time as Labour Minister. – Monte McNaughton / Twitter
Turning to labour rights, McNaughton discussed his “Working for Workers” initiatives in Ontario, which included landmark labour reforms. These changes included guaranteeing washroom access for truck drivers, banning non-compete clauses, and providing new rights for gig workers.
He noted, “We passed legislation in Ontario—I’m very proud of our Working for Workers bills,” which he framed as critical steps to empower workers and support their rights.
In closing, McNaughton emphasized the shared vision between Alberta and Ontario in building a working-class future. He praised the leadership of Alberta’s Premier Smith and her government’s recent pro-worker initiatives, including updates to private sector pension plans for construction trades, ensuring security for 180,000 workers and pensioners across Canada.
“Our mission is to leave no one behind and help lift everyone up through meaningful employment, creating purpose-driven lives,” McNaughton concluded, expressing optimism for the future of Canada’s skilled workforce and the broader economy.
McNaughton announced his resignation from provincial politics on Sept. 22, 2023, to pursue a career in the private sector. McNaughton had served as an MPP for 12 years and held his cabinet position for over four years.
The Ontario government is investing over $9 million to train 2,300 workers in the manufacturing and construction sectors in Windsor, focusing on skilled trades, electric vehicle development, and battery technology.
A substantial $4.7 million investment will fund a new 24,000 square foot training facility for electrical workers in Windsor, part of the broader $224 million Skills Development Fund Capital Stream to support infrastructure for skilled trades training.
The funding also includes $3 million to train 1,500 workers in the auto sector, particularly in electric vehicle and battery development, with initiatives like the Automotive Innovation Challenge to connect students with job opportunities.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing over $9 million to train approximately 2,300 manufacturing and construction sector workers in Windsor. This includes a $4.7 million investment to build a new training facility for local electrical workers through the new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream. This brings Ontario’s total investment in Windsor workers through SDF since 2021 to over $15.6 million.
“With its long history as a manufacturing powerhouse, Windsor is at the heart of our government’s plan to bring good-paying manufacturing jobs, including in the growing electric vehicle and battery sector, back to Ontario,” said Premier Doug Ford. “Today’s more than $9 million in investments from our government’s Skills Development Fund will support the world-class workers here in Windsor who are rebuilding Ontario’s economy by ensuring they have the skills and training they need to secure better jobs and bigger paycheques for years to come.”
The funding comes from both the Training and Capital streams of the SDF, which are designed to recruit, train and upskill workers and build or upgrade training centres for the skilled trades. These projects include:
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 773: $5,511,476 through SDF Capital and Training Streamsto train over 600 new electrical workers and build a new training facility in Windsor. This includes $4,748,066 through the SDF Capital stream to build a new 24,000 square foot training centre in Windsor, as well as $763,410 through the SDF Training stream, to train new electrical workers and connecting apprentices with employers so new workers can quickly land jobs and apply their training in manufacturing and construction.
Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN): $3 million through the SDF Training stream to develop local training programs for approximately 1,500 auto sector workers in Windsor and across the province, with a focus on electric vehicle and battery development. This includes setting up an Automotive Innovation Challenge for students at the University of Windsor and Ontario Tech University and enhancing the OVIN Learning Hub’s capacity by adding a new job placement portal that will connect students with employers in their communities.
International Association of Bridge and Ironworkers Local 700: $512,836 through the SDF Training stream to train and upskill at least 170 new ironworkers and apprentices, including investing in enhanced instructional equipment and technology.
“As Ontario leads the world in electric vehicles and advanced manufacturing, our government is proud to work with labour and industry partners to ensure auto workers in Windsor and across the province have the opportunities and skills to thrive in this rapidly growing sector,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Through our Skills Development Fund, we’re providing cutting-edge training programs and building a new training facility in Windsor to deliver better training, better jobs and bigger paychecks for thousands more auto workers who are driving our economy forward.”
Applications are open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.
The Ontario government is investing over $26 million in LiUNA 183’s Vaughan campus, part of the $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, to support training for over one million workers across the province.
As part of this capital project, LiUNA 183 will build a new industrial workshop and new classrooms on their Vaughan campus to deliver both hands-on and in-class training, as well as a renovated union hall with increased capacity for the new workers and apprentices.
LiUNA 183 will nearly double its training capacity to 100,000 workers, helping meet the demand for skilled trades in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), particularly in fields like bricklaying, heavy equipment operation, and concrete finishing.
The Whole Story:
The Ontario government is investing over $26 million to build a new training centre at LiUNA 183’s skilled trades training campus in Vaughan.
This investment comes from the province’s new $224 million Skills Development Fund (SDF) Capital Stream, which was announced by Premier Doug Ford in June 2023. The funding is expected to support the training of more than one million workers across Ontario.
With this new training centre, LiUNA 183 will be able to train nearly 50,000 additional new workers, doubling their current training capacity to almost 100,000 workers, for in-demand careers in construction across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), such as bricklaying, heavy equipment operators and concrete finishing.
“Through our new $224 million Skills Development Fund Capital Stream, our government is continuing to support the world-class Ontario workers who are rebuilding our province’s economy,” said Premier Doug Ford. “I’m so pleased that we are able to work with LiUNA 183 to help nearly 50,000 additional workers from across the GTA access the skills and training they need to find better jobs and bigger paycheques in the skilled trades.”
As part of this capital project, LiUNA 183 will build a new industrial workshop and new classrooms on their Vaughan campus to deliver both hands-on and in-class training, as well as a renovated union hall with increased capacity for the new workers and apprentices. LiUNA’s Vaughan skilled trades campus delivers their largest training program in Canada and offers students the opportunity to build a full-size two-storey residential home within the centre.
“Under Premier Ford, our government has an ambitious plan to build Ontario: from new housing that families can call home, to highways and public transit connecting our communities, and clean energy projects powering our economy,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration Training and Skills Development. “But as a large share of experienced tradespeople are retiring over the coming years, we must transfer the skills and expertise from the Golden Generation of Skilled Tradespeople to the next generation of students. That’s why we’re partnering with LiUNA 183 to train almost 100,000 new construction workers who will leverage the wisdom of experienced tradespeople to build Ontario’s bright future.”
LiUNA 183’s new training centre is an example of how Ontario is partnering with labour organizations, employers, and local organizations through the SDF Capital Stream to increase their capacity to train and upskill workers for in-demand careers in the trades through building, expanding, and repairing training facilities. The SDF Capital Stream program complements the successful SDF Training Stream, through which the government helps organizations deliver training for in-demand careers in the trades, including construction, manufacturing, technology and healthcare.
Applications are open for the government’s fifth round of SDF Training Stream with up to $260 million in available funding, the largest funding round since the fund launched in 2021. With the fifth round of SDF Training Stream and the Capital Stream, this brings the government’s investment up to $1.4 billion to grow Ontario’s workforce for in-demand careers in the skilled trades.