The federal government is investing nearly $13 million in two national training projects to equip more than 17,000 skilled trades workers with green economy skills.
Speaking at a conference with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on Tuesday, Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli announced close to $10 million for the Western Joint Electrical Training Society. The funding will support hands-on training for construction electrician apprentices, journeypersons and other workers to address gaps in green skills, knowledge and competencies.
Zerucelli also announced more than $3 million for the National Electrical Trade Council to train Red Seal powerline technicians to use drones for powerline maintenance. The project aims to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the government, the two initiatives will give about 17,350 workers the opportunity to upgrade or gain new skills.
Part of sustainable jobs strategy
The projects are funded through the Sustainable Jobs stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program, part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. They complement investments in the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, which supports workers in acquiring skills for a green economy.
Ottawa says the measures respond to pressing needs in the skilled trades workforce, such as removing entry barriers, supporting apprenticeship completion, increasing net-zero construction and tackling the housing crisis.
“To effectively double the number of homes built annually to nearly 500,000, we need a workforce equipped with the green skills needed to build faster,” Zerucelli said. “Today’s announcement is part of our plan to help train nearly 30,000 tradespeople, in collaboration with organizations and unions—driving innovation, boosting productivity and supporting long-term growth in the construction sector right here at home.”
Industry reaction
Chris Swick, executive director of the National Electrical Trade Council, said the program will “merge traditional expertise with new technologies” to improve training quality and address skill gaps, while supporting green initiatives to reduce emissions.
Adrien Livingston, executive director of the Western Joint Electrical Training Society, said the funding will help create “broad-based partnerships across industry and union joint training committees” to share expertise and resources nationwide.
