We have exciting news to share. Merit for Apprenticeship now sponsors 10 skilled trades in Ontario! We are proud to announce the addition of our newest trade: 433A Industrial Mechanic Millwright With this new trade, we continue to support apprentices and open shop contractors across Ontario in some of the province’s most in-demand skilled trades. […]
April is Stress Awareness Month. “Tough jobs require strong support systems.” April is Stress Awareness Month, and in construction, stress is not seasonal. Tight deadlines, labour shortages, rising material costs, long hours, and physically demanding work all add pressure. For contractors, the mental health of your workforce is not just a personal issue. It directly […]
Crew Stability = Profitability Ontario’s construction sector employs nearly 600,000 workers, about 7.5% of the provincial workforce, and demand remains strong across infrastructure and housing. At the same time, labour market tightness continues to shape operations. Employers consistently report that recruiting and retaining skilled workers is among their top challenges. With projected retirements and ongoing […]
Celebrating Progress and Building the Future Women in Construction Week (WIC Week) takes place March 1–7, 2026, and celebrates the contributions, achievements, and growing impact of women across the construction industry. Led by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), the week also raises awareness of career pathways, training, and apprenticeship opportunities for women […]
How I Got Started in the Trades Morgan Bosch never imagined herself working in the skilled trades. At 18, fresh out of high school, she believed her future was in elementary education. Teaching felt familiar, safe, and like the expected path. To be sure, she took a year off and worked as a waitress while […]
March is Brain Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of brain health and mental well-being. For workers in construction and the skilled trades, maintaining mental health is essential not only for personal wellness, but also for jobsite safety, productivity, and overall quality of life. At Merit Ontario, we believe […]
Discover flexible benefit plans and renewal strategies with Merit Ontario and OCIBP for Ontario’s construction industry. Why Benefits Matter in Construction In Ontario’s non-union construction sector, competitive benefits are essential for attracting and retaining skilled workers. Merit Ontario understands these challenges and offers comprehensive plans through the Ontario Construction Industry Benefit Plan (OCIBP). These plans […]
Introduction Merit Ontario is committed to simplifying apprenticeships for Ontario contractors. Our program makes the apprenticeship process easy by handling registration and paperwork, so you can focus on growing your business. Apprenticeships Made Easy for Contractors Ontario’s construction industry is competing for a limited pool of skilled workers, yet only 15 percent of small and […]
The construction industry in Canada continues to grow rapidly, and employers are looking for candidates who bring the right mix of technical skills, hands-on experience, and modern industry knowledge. Whether you’re just entering the trades or looking to advance your career, preparing for the 2026 job market can give you a major advantage. Here are […]