Union launches mass timber training push across Canada

Key Takeaways:

• The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America is launching 10 new mass timber training modules across Canada, funded by ESDC’s UTIP program, to train 4,000 workers in specialized skills like hoisting, rigging, product handling, and installation.
• The program supports the growing demand for sustainable mass timber construction, which offers lower emissions than steel or concrete and enables faster, modular building timelines.
• Participants will receive financial supports to reduce barriers to training, and all materials will be sourced from Canadian forest products, reinforcing domestic lumber jobs and supply chains.

The Whole Story:

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America (UBC) is establishing 10 mass timber training modules across select UBC training centres in Canada, funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).

The program will train 4,000 participants over its duration in specialized skills including hoisting and rigging, mass timber product handling and assembly, and exterior envelope and curtain wall installation. Each course runs for one week (40 hours) and combines classroom instruction with hands-on training using the latest mass timber technologies.

Mass timber is a renewable building technology that stores carbon and emits less than steel or concrete, offering faster construction timelines through its modular design. The training addresses growing demand from project owners, developers, and contractors adopting the sustainable building method.

“Through the UBC Sustainable Jobs Mass Timber Project, we’re ensuring Canada’s workers have the training needed to build infrastructure and housing quickly and sustainably with mass timber construction,” said Jason Rowe, UBC Canadian District Vice President, in a news release. “This project will ensure that UBC members and signatory contractors are ready to meet the growing demand and investment in this emerging building technology and can lead the way in sustainable construction across the country.”

The program includes comprehensive financial supports to remove participation barriers, offering assistance for dependent care, living expenses, and transportation costs. All materials will be sourced from Canadian-made forest products, supporting Canada’s lumber production, jobs, and supply chains in the forestry sector amid trade uncertainty with the United States, the UBC said in a news release.