WATERLOO — Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau visited a local union shop to announce that his government will spend $750 million on jobs and training programs a year if elected.

Plumbing and steamfitter apprentices listened as Trudeau said Tuesday morning that a Liberal government will invest $25 million a year in training facilities such as the one at United Association Local 527 on Frobisher Drive in Waterloo.

"If you want to upgrade your skills so that you can get a better job, we will help to make that happen," Trudeau said after he was shown the ropes when it comes to soldering copper pipe and beveling pipe.

"A Liberal government will create more job opportunities and will make it easier for Canadians to improve their skills," he said.

Trudeau said $500 million will go to provinces to develop training programs, while $200 million for those who do not qualify for employment insurance or who are not employed.

"This will undo Harper's recent cuts and help more Canadians get the basic literacy and numeracy jobs they need to find a decent job," he said.

Trudeau said these programs would have been in place if the Conservatives had not cancelled funding in 2006.

Trudeau visited a training shop for apprentices in plumbing, steam fitting and welding. The facility gives the students who are enrolled in college and working extra training.

Along with workers and Liberal supporters, the region's Liberal candidates sat in the front row, including former Kitchener-Waterloo Liberal MP Andrew Telegdi.

Trudeau criticized NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, saying he was "irresponsible" for making the elimination of the deficit his immediate priority while committing to spending announcements.

"Tom Mulcair can't help because he's made a foolish and irresponsible promise to eliminate Stephen Harper's deficit in Year One no matter the cost to Canadians," he said.

"You cannot be Tommy Douglas on a Stephen Harper budget."

Instead, Trudeau said the Liberals will invest in jobs, in the middle the class and in Canadians working hard to join the middle class.

"You deserve more job opportunities. You deserve the chance to improve your skills to get the training you need to build a better life for yourself and your family," he said.

"That's what the Liberal party is delivering, not the NDP."

"Canadians don't need more cuts. They need investment in our future, in jobs, training in our cities, in our middle class and those working hard to join the middle class," he continued.

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers media strategist Matt Wayland said the union is non-partisan, but that the Stephen Harper government hasn't made it easy for workers.

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"The policies of this government haven't been in the best interests of our members," he said.

Wayland said the union supports the Liberal job and training skills plan.