If there’s one thing every contractor, crane operator and pile driver knows, it’s that there’s no room for error when it comes to rigging. That’s why Unirope Limited has just opened a brand-new training centre at its Mississauga, Ont., headquarters. With 1,800 square feet of classroom and demo space, the new facility helps crews get hands-on experience with the latest rigging techniques – and stay safe while doing it.
Founded in 1956, Unirope specializes in the manufacture, distribution, testing, certification and inspection services of lifting and rigging products. This new centre signals not only an evolution in its training delivery, but also presents a new way of addressing critical industry challenges such as labour shortages and gaps in skills.
“Training has long been integral to Unirope,” said company president Justin Brown. “The goal behind creating the new dedicated facility was to upgrade to a world-class training environment suitable for both internal staff and customer training.”
Unirope began building the centre in April 2024, repurposing a former manufacturing space within its main facility. The new centre includes a dedicated entrance, washrooms, a 13-foot screen for multimedia presentations and a future lifting demonstration rig that will anchor the facility’s focus on experiential learning. “The new centre allows us to better serve our industry and customers,” Brown said. “We’ve designed it to accommodate large groups for both theoretical sessions and practical demonstrations, directly connecting training with the realities of the jobsite.”
That practical relevance is essential for piling and deep foundation contractors, whose work often involves the safe lifting and rigging of pre-cast piles, caissons, rebar cages and large equipment. Mistakes in these situations can have catastrophic consequences. Brown says that having the training facility located in the same building where rigging products are manufactured, inspected and tested daily creates a holistic and immersive learning environment.“It reinforces practical skills and safety principles in a real-world context,” he said.
The cornerstone of Unirope’s program is its Prevention of Rigger Mortis course, which covers the essentials of rigging safety and equipment inspection. “While we offer standardized programs, we also provide product-specific training and can customize sessions for industry-specific needs, such as pile driving or caisson work. That ensures practical applicability for all participants,” said Brown.
This flexibility is a significant benefit for deep foundation contractors, who face varied and often complex lifting scenarios depending on the terrain, project design and materials involved. The centre’s new lifting demonstration rig will help bring these situations to life. Trainees will be guided through critical skills such as sling selection, calculating the centre of gravity and executing safe lift plans. “Understanding lifting principles is fundamental, whether you’re moving a panel or a 40-tonne caisson,” Brown explained. “Our training reinforces the idea that safe lifting is not just about equipment, it’s about knowledge and preparation.”
As the construction industry continues to grapple with labour shortages and an aging workforce, Unirope sees its training programs as a key contributor to workforce renewal and safety culture. “By providing specialized, hands-on training and certification opportunities, we’re helping address the skills gap. We want to ensure that workers, new or experienced, are equipped to work safely and effectively,” Brown said.
The training centre welcomes both newcomers to the industry and seasoned professionals seeking to refresh or upgrade their knowledge. Courses cater to diverse skill levels and can prepare participants for a variety of certifications, including third-party credentials from organizations such as the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. Unirope tracks the certification status of its staff to maintain high standards of expertise, and uses that same approach for its clients. “Professional development is a core principle at Unirope,” said Brown. “We actively track our employees’ progress, ensuring they maintain certifications and continue to grow their expertise.”
Although Unirope charges fees for its training courses, Brown says that revenue generation is not the goal. “We are a high-end supplier with deep expertise, and our goal is to share that knowledge,” he said. “The fees are designed to sustain the program, not profit from it. In-person training fosters stronger engagement and learning retention, which is critical when dealing with safety-critical tasks.”
That philosophy appears to resonate within the industry. Several training sessions have already taken place since the centre’s opening, and future bookings are filling up fast. The response has been particularly strong from sectors like heavy construction and piling, where employers are eager to upskill teams and maintain high safety standards. Brown attributes this positive reception to the pressing need for quality training in high-risk work environments.
“Since 2021, we hadn’t had a dedicated facility due to other expansion work. But the demand for training has only grown. Customers are looking to strengthen their teams, and we’re here to help make that happen.”
While the Mississauga centre is the company’s flagship training site, Unirope also delivers training at its other locations in Quebec and Alberta, as well as on-site at customer facilities. “We’re always evaluating how we can expand training capabilities,” Brown said. “Mississauga is our hub, but we’ll continue to respond to customer needs across the country.” He says that Unirope draws upon its 70 years of corporate experience to ensure that every course is grounded in real-world insights and best practices. Staff take pride in turning a seemingly difficult rigging problem into a routine event.
As piling and deep foundation professionals continue to work in some of the most demanding environments in construction, Unirope’s new training centre arrives at a pivotal time. “Our training centre is not just an investment in our company. It’s an investment in the people who build, lift and shape our world. We owe them the best possible tools, and that includes knowledge,” said Brown.