Thinking independently and taking initiative shape how Kirstin and Ryan approach their own learning as owners. As she put it, “Organizations and businesses are living, breathing things. They are constantly changing and adjusting. We’ve had learning moments over the years where I could see our teaching style was all wrong. We’ve had to evolve.” Kirstin said that she and Ryan look for people who challenge themselves to improve at their jobs and grow in their roles. And to foster this learning, they invest in regular and ongoing training for their staff. Kirstin observed, “The employees we retain are the ones that are self-starters, self-learners.” When someone shows initiative, even admitting when they’re struggling, she responds with, “If you’re struggling, I need you to tell me, and we will accommodate you.” In that spirit, Kirstin feels that accommodation is not handholding, but a form of positive reinforcement for growth and change. As she put it, “Providing support is positive, not permissive. I can help you for a moment, but I’m not going to do the disservice of putting the floaty on and pulling you along. You’re a capable adult.” 

At the recent Manufacturing Matters 2025 conference in London, Ontario, our team was proud to host an exhibitor booth dedicated to showcasing two impactful programs that support Ontario’s skilled trades workforce: Step Up and Succeed and ARISE (Apprenticeship Readiness Inventory and Skills Evaluation). 

The event brought together manufacturers, industry leaders, and workforce development professionals to explore the future of Ontario’s manufacturing sector. Our booth served as a platform for meaningful conversations with employers about the challenges and opportunities facing apprentices and the broader trades ecosystem. 

Step Up and Succeed, our employer-facing initiative, sparked strong interest among manufacturers seeking to improve recruitment, retention, and support strategies for apprentices and entry-level workers. Employers shared that many of their apprentices face learning differences and struggle with foundational skills—challenges that can hinder progress through apprenticeship levels and preparation for the Certificate of Qualification. These insights reinforced the importance of targeted upskilling and inclusive approaches to workforce development. 

Meanwhile, ARISE—designed to support aspiring and current apprentices—was recognized as a valuable tool for identifying skill gaps and building confidence in core competencies. Employers expressed enthusiasm about how ARISE could help apprentices overcome barriers and succeed in their training journeys. 

A key theme throughout the conference was the impact of tariffs and global trade dynamics on the manufacturing sector. These pressures have intensified the need for a resilient, well-trained workforce. Our programs are helping to address these challenges by supporting apprenticeship completions and ensuring that individuals entering the trades are equipped with the skills they need to thrive. 

We were energized by the connections we made and the shared commitment to strengthening Ontario’s skilled trades pipeline. By supporting both employers and apprentices, Step Up and Succeed and ARISE are contributing to stronger local economies and a more inclusive, skilled workforce across the province. 

Thank you to everyone who visited our booth and engaged in these important conversations. We look forward to continuing our work together to build a brighter future for Ontario’s trades sector.

Since 2021, Literacy Link South Central (LLSC) and LiUNA 1059 have built a partnership that exemplifies how strategic collaborations can transform workforce development. At its core, this relationship is based on a shared commitment to empowering individuals through education and opportunity, particularly within Ontario’s skilled construction trades.

LiUNA Local 1059, representing skilled construction workers, understands that success on the job site requires apprenticeship candidates to not only master the tools and techniques of construction work, but also requires competency in key essential skills, including

• Math

• Reading & Writing

• Soft Skills

To earn their Red Seal certification, apprentices must master these skill sets. This is where LLSC and Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) programs enter the story.

LLSC is an adult literacy network that partners with LBS programs to provide one-on-one instruction in reading, writing, math, digital literacy, and soft skills. Program instructors provide personalized learning supports to apprentices, utilizing learning materials brought from LiUNA 1059 to their classrooms. Working together, instructors and apprentices forge strategies that help the apprentice gain the necessary confidence to succeed at their Certificate of Qualification (Red Seal) exam.

LiUNA 1059 and LLSC also help learners who need to earn additional high school credits to qualify for an apprenticeship. LLSC makes referrals to local adult high schools, where apprentices can earn academic credits and complete their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). This credit referral process includes newcomers seeking secondary school credits. LLSC also helps newcomers pursue secondary and post-secondary education credential recognition by connecting them with World Education Services (WES) in Toronto. LiUNA 1059 has helped apprentices pay the necessary fees to have their diplomas recognized.  

LiUNA 1059 and LLSC remain committed to helping apprentices with learning disabilities prepare for their C of Q. Support includes working with a representative from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) to get apprentices, who possess the proper documentation like an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.), test-taking accommodations.  

By working in tandem, LLSC and LiUNA 1059 have not only improved individual outcomes but are helping to strengthen Ontario’s workforce. Other LiUNA locals and literacy networks in Ontario have taken notice and are working to emulate this model in their own communities.