The Ontario Government launched its Ontario Shipyard Modernization Project by announcing an $8.7 million investment at Heddle Shipyards for new technology and training for workers at shipyards in St. Catharines, Hamilton and Thunder Bay.
CHCH News reports the initiative is supported through the government’s Skills Development Fund and that technology includes 3D scanning, robotic welding, robotic blasting and coating and virtual and augmented reality training equipment. It says more than 300 Heddle employees and 20 apprentices will be trained.
Heddle will build partnerships and develop a standardized curriculum for a Ship Repair and Shipbuilding Pilot Course with Niagara College, Mohawk College and Confederation College.
Learn more about how retaining and growing a highly skilled work force is part of the St. Catharines advantage.
Learn More
Shipbuilding is an important economic driver in St. Catharines and Ontario. Heddle continues to chart its course to becoming a leading repair, maintenance and overhaul service provider on the Great Lakes and forge partnerships that bring more work and good paying jobs to Port Weller and St. Catharines.
More from the blog!
Why St. Catharines is the Place to Invest, and Why Now is the Time
As Niagara’s largest city, St. Catharines is transforming into a hub of culture, innovation, and growth — and right now, the momentum has never been stronger. With unbeatable connectivity to the GTA and U.S. border, new infrastructure like expanded GO Transit and cross-lake hovercraft service, and powerful financial incentives for development, this is the perfect moment to build and grow here.
Mindset Matters: Getting Out of Your Own Way in Business
November 4, 2025Is your mindset holding your business back?
CRA Tax Information: Sole-proprietors
November 3, 2025Join the CRA Liaison Services to learn valuable tax information and get your questions answered!
SEO Today & Tomorrow: How to Be Found on Google and by AI Tools
November 13, 2025Join us for a hands-on SEO workshop with Maggie McTavish of Mango Media.