As Canada embraces more sustainable and efficient building practices, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America (UBC) is taking the lead in workforce training with the UBC Sustainable Jobs Mass Timber Project. This initiative, supported by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), aims to prepare thousands of workers for the growing demand in mass timber construction.

The project will roll out 10 specialized mass timber training modules at select UBC training centres across Canada. Designed to upskill 4,000 participants, these one-week, 40-hour courses focus on critical competencies such as hoisting and rigging, mass timber assembly, and exterior envelope and curtain wall installation. Training integrates classroom instruction with hands-on experience using modern mass timber technologies.

Mass timber, a renewable wood-based building material, is rapidly gaining popularity due to its lower environmental impact, carbon-storing capabilities, and faster build times compared to traditional concrete and steel. Its modular design also supports efficient and cost-effective construction, aligning with Canada’s broader sustainability and housing objectives.

To ensure accessibility, the UBC program includes financial supports covering childcare, transportation, and living expenses, removing key barriers to participation. By training a new generation of skilled carpenters, the initiative strengthens not only the construction industry but also the Canadian forestry sector, with all materials sourced from domestic forest products.

Jason Rowe, UBC Canadian District Vice President, emphasizes the program’s national impact: “We’re ensuring Canada’s workers are equipped to build infrastructure and housing quickly and sustainably.”

This project exemplifies the union’s commitment to innovation, job creation, and climate-conscious construction, preparing the Canadian workforce to lead in the future of green building technologies.

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