Q&A with ILEO Construction Union Pathways Program participant, Michael Oriere
In April 2025, ILEO launched the Construction Union Pathways Program, which aims to provide a new pool of labour in the construction industry and create a sustainable workforce for underrepresented individuals living in the Greater Golden Mile and Greater Weston Mount Dennis through employment training, mentorship and work placement opportunities.
Micharl Oriere is one of 47 participants in the program and is pursuing a career path in Plumbing. Read more about Michael’s experience below.
What interests you most about working in the skilled trades, and your chosen trade in particular?
Michael Oriere: What interests me most about working in the skilled trades, especially plumbing, is that it is the career I have always wanted. It allows me to apply the knowledge and technical understanding I gained from my background in Chemical Engineering, particularly in areas such as fluid mechanics and system design. Seeing how this theoretical knowledge translates into practical field work has been very rewarding.
What are your career aspirations, and how do you see the skilled trades training fitting into those goals?
Michael Oriere: My career aspiration is to become a Construction Project Manager, and I see the plumbing trade as an excellent foundation to build hands-on experience in construction. The training and field exposure I am gaining through this pathway are helping me develop the skills and discipline needed to grow into that role.
How has the ILEO Construction Union Pathways Program changed your career prospects?
Michael Oriere: The pathway has been very resourceful and transformative. It provided me with the opportunity to join the union, access trainings, and receive ongoing support and mentorship. This structure has made it possible for me to enter the construction industry with clear direction and confidence.
If you hadn’t taken this program, what do you think you’d be doing?
Michael Oriere: Honestly, I’m not sure what I would be doing right now. However, I am truly glad I took this step, as I find great fulfillment in the plumbing trade, even as a first-year apprentice. It feels like a step in the right direction for my long-term career goals.
What did you find most valuable about the program?
Michael Oriere: The most valuable aspect of the program is the constant support from everyone involved. From guidance and training to follow-up and encouragement, the support network has made a big difference in my learning experience and overall confidence.
About the ILEO Construction Union Pathways Program
The ILEO Construction Union Pathways Program provides pre-employment training delivered by community agencies, trades training delivered by unions, mentorship, and work placements on construction sites across the region.
The aim of this project is to provide a new pool of labour in the construction industry and create a sustainable workforce by reducing barriers for underrepresented individuals.
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
About the ILEO Initiative
To learn more about how United Way Greater Toronto, BMO and other private, public and community partners are working together to ensure the benefits of this development flow to existing residents check out the Inclusive Local Economic Opportunity Initiative (ILEO).