Now Open

Steelworker POWER Action Centre

Register Now
Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Or by special appointment
Location
68 Dennis Street
Sault Ste. Marie

If you or your family have been impacted by layoffs, job uncertainty, or changes in work—whether at Algoma Steel or another employer—this transition can feel overwhelming. You may be facing uncertainty about income, work, training, or what comes next.

The Steelworker POWER Action Centre is here to support workers across the steel and industrial workforce, and you do not need to wait until your official layoff date to reach out.

Even if you are still working, on notice, or simply starting to think about your options, we can help now.

Free Training Opportunities Now Available

The Steelworker POWER Action Centre and the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC) are pleased to announce a range of free training opportunities available to individuals registered with the Centre. Whether you're looking to start a new career, upgrade your skills, or obtain a certification to improve your employment prospects, we may be able to help.

Free Training Opportunities flyer from the Steelworker POWER Action Centre and CSTEC, covering Occupational Skills Training for programs longer than 40 hours and up to one year, Short-Term Certifications and Industry Tickets for programs of 40 hours or less, and what information to have ready before applying.

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Available Programs

Our available programs are designed to prepare participants for employment in high-demand occupations.

Current programs include:

Free Training Opportunities flyer from the Steelworker POWER Action Centre and CSTEC. The Applied Industrial Mechanic and Applied Industrial Welding programs start September 8; the Advanced Industrial Welding program accepts applications on a rolling basis. Delivered with Sault College and APR Welding Academy, funded in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response.

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Programs are up to 18 weeks in length and include technical training. Training is delivered in partnership with Sault College and APR Welding Academy.

Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-qualified basis.

Connect with a Peer Navigator

A Peer Navigator will walk you through eligibility and get you signed up.

How we can help

This is a peer-driven, confidential space where we take the time to listen and work with you one-on-one. Support may include:

Talking through your options and next steps
Career planning
Guidance on Employment Insurance (EI) and training eligibility
Exploring short-term training or skills upgrading
Starting or continuing an apprenticeship
Referrals to trusted community supports, if needed

There is no pressure and no one-size-fits-all approach. Support is tailored to your situation and your goals.

Current job opportunities

Sault College is one of the largest local employers in the Sault, with openings across academic, administrative, skilled trades, and support roles. Postings are updated regularly, so it's worth checking back often.

Full-time, part-time, and contract positions
Roles across academic, administrative, and support areas
A local employer with career development pathways

Laid off? Free info sessions for community members

Sault College Employment Solutions and the Sault Community Career Centre are each hosting one-hour info sessions on the free employment services available to community members. No registration is required.

Free employment services info session flyer for community members who have been laid off. Sault College Employment Solutions hosts sessions on Thursday September 17 and Thursday October 1 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at 477 Queen St. E. Suite 203. The Sault Community Career Centre hosts sessions on Friday September 25 and Friday October 9 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at 503 Queen St. E. Each session runs one hour and covers three areas of support.

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Health & Wellness

Confidential mental health support is now available to eligible Algoma workers and their families through the Steelworker POWER Action Centre. These services are provided at no cost by local professionals, and are separate from all other Centre services.

Health and Wellness flyer. Confidential mental health support for eligible Algoma workers and their families through the Steelworker POWER Action Centre, delivered by two local providers: Strong Minds, offering trauma-informed counselling and wellness support, and Safe Haven Sault Ste. Marie, offering client-centred counselling in a judgment-free environment. Services are confidential, provided at no cost, and separate from all other Centre services.

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In crisis or need immediate help?

Contact Sault Area Hospital Crisis Services at 705-759-3398 or 1-800-721-0077, available 24 hours a day.

You can also call or text 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline, at any time.

If there is an immediate danger to life, call 911.

Strong Minds and Safe Haven provide ongoing support and are not crisis-intervention services.

A trusted partnership

The Steelworker POWER Action Centre is delivered in partnership with the United Steelworkers, the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition (CSTEC), and the Government of Ontario.

This partnership was created specifically to support steelworkers and their families—with people who understand the industry, the work, and the realities of job transition.

Contact us

For more information or to book an appointment, do not hesitate to contact:

Peer Navigator

Wayne Hubbard

whubbard@saultpowercentre.ca

705-971-6187

Peer Navigator

Rebecca McCracken

rmccracken@saultpowercentre.ca

705-971-8261

Peer Navigator

Steve McEwen

smcewen@saultpowercentre.ca

705-989-4009

Peer Navigator

Michael Barbeau

mbarbeau@saultpowercentre.ca

705-971-3626

Get support

You can drop in during open hours or register for support online.

Register for Support

Please don't wait until your layoff date.
Connecting early can help you understand your options and make informed decisions about what comes next.