Preparing Ontario Apprentices for Success on Their Certificate of Qualification Exams MISSISSAUGA, ONT., September 30, 2026 – For years, apprentices have balanced demanding work schedules, classroom learning, and personal commitments while building their careers in the skilled trades. Yet one significant challenge remains for many: preparing for the Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal examination. To […]
With more than 90,000 construction workers projected to leave the industry through retirement by 2034, Ontario is racing to renew its workforce. For Glenda Rahn, Director of Workforce Development at Merit Ontario, recruiting young people is only the first step: the real test is training them, retaining them and helping them reach certification. Ontario’s construction […]
Merit Ontario’s event focuses on workforce retention, mentorship and practical employer solutions MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 30, 2026 /CNW/ — As construction employers across Ontario face growing skilled labour shortages, workforce retirements and increased competition for talent, Merit Ontario is bringing industry leaders together to explore practical solutions at the 2026 Apprenticeship Forum for Employers on November 18 […]
Each year, the construction industry recognizes Construction Safety Week, a time to reinforce one of the most important values on any jobsite: safety. More than just a campaign, it’s a collective effort to raise awareness, share best practices, and strengthen safety culture across the industry. The message is simple: everyone deserves to go home safe […]
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 […]