A growing partnership between LiUNA Local 900 and The Saint John Learning Exchange is creating new opportunities for learners to move directly into the workforce, while helping meet the rising demand in the skilled trades.
For many young adults, the path to a high-paying, stable career in the skilled trades can feel out of reach. Through this partnership, learners from The Learning Exchange are gaining access to real opportunities in the trades, with a clear and supported transition into the workforce.
By aligning training, wraparound supports, and employer needs, the model helps work through common barriers to employment – such as a lack of transportation, limited financial means, academic and non-academic hurdles – especially for those who may not have followed the conventional path.
The Value of Training with LiUNA Local 900
For learners, this opportunity goes beyond basic skills training. It offers a direct connection to a strong industry organization.
LiUNA Local 900 represents more than 1,300 members across New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, connecting workers to union-regulated job opportunities through its hiring halls and employer network.
Labouring is physically demanding, skilled work, but it also offers stability, strong wages, and long-term career growth when supported by the right training and conditions.
Through LiUNA, learners benefit from:
- Access to consistent, in-demand work across major infrastructure and industrial projects
- Industry-recognized training and certifications, including safety-focused programming
- Strong health and safety standards on job sites
- Competitive wages, pensions, and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the sector
- Opportunities to advance through apprenticeships and Red Seal pathways
A Partnership Built on Support
For Allison Ball, Executive Director of Labourers’ Training Institute of New Brunswick Inc.
LiUNA Local 900, the experience of working with The Learning Exchange has stood out for its strong communication and hands-on approach.
“It’s been a genuinely strong partnership, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to build together so far.”
A key part of that experience has been the support provided by The Learning Exchange’s Partnership Developer, Patrick Russell, who has helped ensure the partnership remains responsive, collaborative, and learner-focused.
“I feel so grateful for the relationship and to be connected with him (Patrick Russell).”
Allison highlighted the value of having a dedicated partner who understands both learners’ needs and industry realities.
By staying connected and adaptable, the partnership continues to evolve in ways that benefit both learners and industry.
Expanding Opportunity & Strengthening Impact
Beyond individual success, this partnership reflects a scalable model for workforce development.
“This is the kind of model that can be scaled—especially as demand for skilled workers continues to grow,” said Allison Ball.
With major projects in work across New Brunswick, from large-scale infrastructure builds to long-term industrial work, the need for skilled labour continues to increase.
By preparing learners now and connecting them directly to these opportunities, The Learning Exchange and LiUNA Local 900 are supporting a workforce that is ready to meet that demand.
Strengthening the Workforce, Together
As workforce needs continue to grow in the skilled trades, partnerships like this play an important role in building a strong, local talent pipeline.
By creating accessible entry points into employment, The Learning Exchange and LiUNA Local 900 are not only supporting individual success but also contributing to a more resilient and connected community.
Together, they are demonstrating the power of partnership in action: opening doors, creating opportunity, and helping learners move forward with confidence.
Find out more about LiUNA Local 900: https://liunalocal900.ca/about/
This partnership was made possible as part of our READY (Repairing Education and Employment Achievement Debts to Youth) youth project, funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
