8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Or by special appointment
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.
1 Occupational Skills Training
Looking for a new career?
Support may be available for occupational training programs longer than 40 hours and up to one year in length that lead directly to employment in an in-demand occupation.
Examples of eligible training include:
- Common Core Underground Miner
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Heavy Equipment Fundamentals
- Pre-Trades & Technology
- Plumbing Techniques
- Construction Techniques
- Mechanical Techniques – Millwright or Machine Shop
- Motive Power Fundamentals
- Industrial Maintenance
- Welding
- Truck Driver (where available)
- Other occupational training that supports your career goals
If you have identified a training program that will help you obtain employment, we'd like to hear from you.
2 Available Programs
Our available programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on work placements to prepare participants for employment in high-demand occupations.
Current programs include:
- Advanced Welding
- Applied Welding
- Applied Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
Programs are up to 18 weeks in length and include both technical training and a work placement.
3 Short-Term Certifications & Industry Tickets
Need a certification to get back to work or increase your employment opportunities?
We can sponsor training programs of 40 hours or less, including a wide variety of industry-recognized safety certifications and tickets.
Examples include:
- Standard First Aid & CPR
- Working at Heights
- Hoisting & Rigging
- Mobile Crane Operator (0–8 tonne)
- Forklift Operator
- WHMIS
- Confined Space Awareness
- Fall Protection
- Elevated Work Platform
- Lockout/Tagout
- Other industry-recognized certifications
If there's a certification or ticket you need, ask us—we may be able to help.
How to Apply
Start by researching the training you would like to take. Before contacting us, please have the following information available:
- The name of the course or certification
- The organization offering the training course
- The total cost (including books, materials, equipment, and certification fees)
- The length of the course or program
- The proposed start and end dates
Our staff will review your request, discuss your employment goals, and determine whether funding may be available. For more information or to register with the Steelworker POWER Action Centre, please contact us today.
Service Canada Information Session — Employment Insurance
For employees impacted by the layoff, the Steelworkers POWER Action Centre, Service Canada and Algoma Steel have arranged information sessions with Service Canada personnel to answer questions about Employment Insurance and help set up your Service Canada account.
This is a drop-in / walk-in session — attendees are welcome to arrive at any time during session hours.
Advanced Welding Skills Program
The Advanced Welding Skills Program begins the week of July 27, and a few spaces are still available.
This program is designed for experienced welders and individuals with previous welding training who are looking to refresh their skills, renew or obtain industry certifications, or upgrade their qualifications to support employment opportunities.
Training is individualized based on each participant's prior experience and career goals, and may include preparation for CWB certifications where appropriate.
Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-qualified basis. If you or someone you know has previous welding experience and is interested in advancing their skills, please reach out as soon as possible.
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:
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.