March 20, 2025 – Brampton, ON – Merit Ontario, in partnership with Judith Nyman Secondary School, successfully launched the Merit Ontario ConstructED Centre during a well-attended Open House event on March 18, 2025. The event marked a major step forward in skilled trades education, providing students with cutting-edge training tools and a hands-on approach to career exploration in construction and heavy equipment operation.
The launch event brought together key leaders, including:
- Hon. David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
- Hon. Charmaine Williams, Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Development
- Regional Councillor Paul Vicente (Wards 1 & 5)
- Regional Councillor Pat Fortini (Wards 7 & 8)
- City Councillor Rod Power (Wards 7 & 8)
- Regional Councillor Gurpartap Singh Toor (Wards 9 & 10)
- Judith Nyman Secondary School Principal Dion Neil and his team
The Merit Ontario ConstructED Centre is a state-of-the-art learning hub, offering students a dynamic and immersive introduction to skilled trades and heavy equipment operation. This groundbreaking initiative includes Heavy Equipment Simulators, Virtual Reality (VR) Industry Experiences, and an LMS-based Online Learning System, all designed to provide students with real-world industry exposure in a safe, engaging, and interactive environment.
“This initiative is more than just a program it’s a gateway to possibility,” said Michael Gallardo, President & CEO of Merit Ontario. “By integrating advanced simulators, VR experiences, and digital learning tools, we are preparing students for careers in skilled trades in the most engaging and forward-thinking way possible.”
The program offers invaluable career exploration, where a Certificate of Completion is a symbol of awareness and commitment to learning. We know how vital it is to prepare students for their future careers. With this new initiative, Merit Ontario and Judith Nyman Secondary School are committed to fostering professional skills in the skilled trades, where together, we’re enabling students to:
- Explore exciting careers in skilled trades.
- Build awareness around workplace health and safety.
- Develop the foundational skills required for future success.
The Merit Ontario ConstructED Centre is a direct response to Ontario’s growing need for skilled trades professionals. With over 700,000 tradespeople expected to retire in Canada by 2028, initiatives like this are critical in bridging the gap between education and employment.
“At Judith Nyman Secondary School, our focus is to equip students with practical skills that align with workforce demands,” said Dion Neil, Principal at Judith Nyman Secondary School. “This partnership with Merit for Training and Skills Council of Canada enables us to offer innovative, hands-on training that positions students for success in the skilled trades.”
Merit Ontario extends its gratitude to Ministers Piccini and Williams, Regional and City Councillors, and all industry partners for their support in making this initiative a reality. Together, we are constructing pathways to success—empowering the next generation of skilled workers, builders, and innovators.
