The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793 announced its full endorsement of Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party for the June 2 provincial election. The union represents more than 18,000 workers across the province.

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development announced a series of inspection blitzes recently, including a focus on excavations and utility contacts in the construction sector this fall.

Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough says the money will fund 13 programs to help small- and medium-sized employers offer apprenticeship training.

Algonquin College, George Brown College and Mohawk College announced the launch of a four-year honours degree in Business Administration that targets the specific skills tradespeople need to grow their businesses.

Union members voted more than 77 percent in favour of ratifying a proposed new collective agreement that was presented to them on May 27.