Toronto Pearson invests $1.65 million to build the next generation of skilled trades talent
TORONTO , Sept. 22, 2026 /CNW/ -- Toronto Pearson is investing $1.65 million to help shape the next generation of skilled trades professionals and strengthen the workforce of tomorrow. Through its 2026 Uplift Fund grants, the airport will support 11 community-led projects to create new employment pathways and help communities thrive.
An anticipated 1,000 residents will benefit from hands-on training, certifications, career development opportunities, and direct connections to jobs through initiatives from construction and skilled trades training, to newcomer employment, accessibility and economic inclusion programs.
"Toronto Pearson's success is closely tied to the success of the communities around us," said Karen Mazurkewich, Vice-President of Stakeholder Relations and Communications, Toronto Pearson. "As we invest in the future of the airport through our major infrastructure program, Pearson LIFT, we're equally committed to investing in the people who will help build it. Our investment in these community-led programs will create pathways to the skilled trades and other high-demand careers, strengthening our local workforce and ensuring the talent is in place to support future growth and major infrastructure projects."
The Uplift Fund, part of the Propeller Project, has contributed more than $6.7 million in community funding over the past six years – benefitting more than 13,000 residents in Mississauga, Brampton and Etobicoke.
Propelling a strong, skilled local workforce
Seven of the funded projects focus on construction and skilled trades pathways through Growing Construction Skilled Trades funding to equipping people from communities around the airport with the skills and experience needed to fill critical labour gaps and support Pearson's future growth.
Further strengthening the talent pipeline, Toronto Pearson and the Pearson Accelerator Construction Team (PACT) have committed $300,000 over two years to support the Forging Futures Initiative at Judith Nyman Secondary School in Brampton. The investment will modernize the school's welding lab and expand access to skilled trades education, creating new opportunities for Peel District School Board students pursuing careers in construction and infrastructure while helping build the next generation of workers needed for future community and airport projects.
The 11 organizations awarded Uplift funding by Toronto Pearson are:
Construction & Skilled Trades
- ACCES Employment/Connecting to Careers in Construction: Connects refugee and newcomer youth to construction careers through mobile outreach, trade exploration, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities.
- Afro Canadian Contractors Association/Project Ascend: Advancing Pathways to Success in Skilled Trades: Supports BIPOC contractors with estimating and bidding training, mentorship, networking, and business development support.
- Blue Door Support Services/Creating Pathways with Construct: Breaking Down Barriers to Employment: Expands the Construct Program into Peel Region, helping individuals facing housing instability access skilled trades careers through employment and transportation supports.
- Building Up/Building Up a Network of Holistic Supports for Long-term Construction Careers: Provides apprentices with career coaching, mentorship, financial supports, and employer connections to help build sustainable careers in the skilled trades.
- Lady Ballers Centre/LBC Eco Power Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program: Creates pathways for Black youth, particularly young women, to enter the electrical trade through paid apprenticeships, technical training, and employer sponsorships.
- Play Forever/First Step - Construction Pathways Program: Building Futures Through Skilled Trades Prepares youth for skilled trades careers through hands-on training, safety certifications, and direct connections to employers and unions.
- Relay Education/Solar Installation Training – Peel: Delivers practical solar installation training and certifications, preparing participants for careers in the growing clean energy sector.
Workforce Development
- CNIB/Come to Work: Supports jobseekers who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision through accessible skills training, assistive technology, and employer partnerships.
- Hospitality Workers Training Centre (HWTC)/Building Equity and Championing Opportunities Now (BEACON): Advances racialized women into hospitality leadership roles through paid training, career coaching, and professional development.
- Windmill Microlending/Elevate to Employment: Removing Barriers for Skilled Immigrant: Helps skilled newcomers achieve credential recognition and career advancement through affordable loans, mentorship, and employment support.
- Humber Polytechnic/Financial Services Career Connect Program: Prepares newcomers and underemployed professionals for careers in financial services through certifications, coaching, mentorship, and employer connections.
About the Uplift Fund
Since 2018, Toronto Pearson's Uplift Fund has invested in programming, advocacy, and research to support local residents seeking to gain the skills, connections and opportunities to retain meaningful employment.
About LIFT
Pearson LIFT (Long-term Investment in Facilities and Terminals) is Toronto Pearson's multi-billion-dollar airport transformation program. Building on a vision to create one of the world's most advanced, sustainable and passenger-focused airports, Pearson LIFT is guiding Toronto Pearson's evolution into a more connected airport, a stronger economic gateway, and an enhanced travel experience. Through a series of major infrastructure, terminal modernization, and expansion projects, LIFT will support economic growth, create jobs and deliver lasting benefits for passengers, partners and the communities Toronto Pearson serves.
About Toronto Pearson
The Greater Toronto Airports Authority is the operator of Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada's largest airport and a vital connector of people, businesses and goods.
Toronto Pearson has been recognized as one of the best airports in North America eight times in the last nine years by Airports Council International, the global trade representative of the world's airports. Toronto Pearson continues to be recognized as a top workplace, earning a spot on Forbes' Canada's Best Employers list for the past three years.
For operational updates and passenger information, please visit @TorontoPearson/@AeroportPearson on X. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram.
SOURCE Toronto Pearson
Toronto Pearson Media Office | [email protected]
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