September 22, 2026
Toronto Pearson is investing $1.65 million through its 2026 Uplift Fund to support skilled trades training, workforce development and employment opportunities in communities surrounding the airport.
The funding will support 11 community-led projects expected to benefit approximately 1,000 residents through hands-on training, certifications, career development and connections to employment.
Seven of the funded initiatives specifically focus on construction and skilled trades, helping develop the workforce needed as Toronto Pearson moves forward with major infrastructure investments through its Pearson LIFT transformation program.
Toronto Pearson says its future growth depends partly on ensuring that skilled workers are available to support construction and infrastructure development.
Pearson LIFT, or Long-term Investment in Facilities and Terminals, is a multi-billion-dollar airport transformation program encompassing infrastructure, terminal modernization and expansion projects.
According to Toronto Pearson, its Uplift Fund investment is intended to create pathways into skilled trades and other high-demand careers while strengthening the local workforce available for future infrastructure projects.
The Uplift Fund has contributed more than $6.7 million over the past six years, benefiting more than 13,000 residents in Mississauga, Brampton and Etobicoke.
Seven organizations will receive funding for programs focused specifically on construction and skilled trades.
ACCES Employment will connect refugee and newcomer youth with construction careers through trade exploration, apprenticeship opportunities and employment support.
The Afro Canadian Contractors Association will provide BIPOC contractors with estimating, bidding, mentorship, networking and business development support.
Blue Door Support Services will expand its Construct Program into Peel Region, helping people experiencing housing instability pursue skilled trades employment.
Building Up will provide apprentices with career coaching, mentorship, financial support and connections with employers to help participants establish long-term construction careers.
The Lady Ballers Centre will create electrical apprenticeship pathways for Black youth, particularly young women, through paid apprenticeships, technical education and employer sponsorship.
Play Forever will provide youth with hands-on construction training, safety certifications and connections to employers and unions.
Relay Education will deliver solar installation training and certifications in Peel, preparing participants for employment opportunities in the clean-energy sector.
Toronto Pearson and the Pearson Accelerator Construction Team (PACT) have also committed $300,000 over two years to the Forging Futures Initiative at Judith Nyman Secondary School in Brampton.
The investment will modernize the school’s welding lab and expand skilled trades education for Peel District School Board students.
The initiative is intended to create additional pathways into construction and infrastructure careers while helping develop workers for future community and airport projects.
Four other Uplift Fund recipients will focus on broader workforce development.
Programs operated by CNIB, Hospitality Workers Training Centre, Windmill Microlending and Humber Polytechnic will provide employment support for people who are blind or have low vision, racialized women, skilled newcomers and underemployed professionals.
Initiatives include accessible skills training, professional certifications, mentorship, career coaching, credential recognition and employer connections.
The workforce investment comes as Toronto Pearson advances Pearson LIFT, its long-term airport modernization and expansion program.
The program is intended to transform Pearson through major infrastructure and terminal projects while supporting economic growth, employment and improved passenger experiences.
Developing a larger skilled workforce around the airport could help create a local talent pipeline as these projects advance.
For the construction industry, the Uplift Fund also highlights the growing connection between major infrastructure investment and workforce development. Labour availability remains an important consideration when delivering large construction programs, making training, apprenticeship pathways and employer connections increasingly relevant to long-term infrastructure planning.
Through the 2026 Uplift Fund, Toronto Pearson is investing not only in physical infrastructure but also in the people who could help design, build, maintain and support its future growth.
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