The federal government is injecting $74.6 million into apprenticeship training and recruitment initiatives across Canada, a move aimed at addressing the nation’s skilled trades shortage and broadening participation among underrepresented groups.
Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, announced the funding on Friday in Gatineau, Quebec. The investment will support 124 projects under the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), which focuses on enhancing training opportunities and increasing diversity in the skilled trades workforce.
“By investing in the skilled trades and jobs of the future, we are setting up workers and businesses to take advantage of every opportunity, while creating good jobs for Canadian workers,” said Boissonnault.
The funding is part of a broader strategy to modernize Canada’s apprenticeship system and meet the growing demand for skilled workers, particularly in the construction and green energy sectors. The federal government has committed nearly $1 billion annually to apprenticeship supports, including grants, loans, tax credits, and Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training.
Of the newly announced funds, $74.6 million will be allocated to 114 projects focused on upgrading training equipment and materials to align with current industry standards and emerging technologies. An additional 10 projects will receive funding to support the recruitment and retention of apprentices from equity-deserving groups, including women, newcomers, Indigenous peoples, and racialized individuals. These projects will offer mentorship, career services, and other supports to help apprentices succeed.
UTIP, launched in 2017, has so far seen $305 million invested in grants and contributions. The program is part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which aims to eliminate barriers to entering the skilled trades, address the housing crisis, and promote net-zero construction.
The announcement also highlighted a new UTIP Sustainable Jobs stream, introduced in June, which will direct over $95 million over five years to develop green training programs for about 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons. The call for proposals under this stream is open until September 5, 2024.
The government is also working to support small and medium-sized employers in creating placements for apprentices, with a $90 million investment through the Apprenticeship Service announced in Budget 2024. Additionally, $10 million will go to the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program to encourage more Canadians to consider careers in the trades.
As the demand for skilled trades workers grows, the federal government continues to provide financial support for apprentices, including Employment Insurance benefits during training and up to $20,000 in interest-free Canada Apprentice Loans. Apprentices can also receive grants of up to $4,000.
Boissonnault emphasized that these investments are crucial for ensuring that Canada has a skilled, inclusive, and productive trades workforce to meet future economic challenges.
The government’s efforts reflect a commitment to building a robust apprenticeship system that supports all Canadians, particularly those from traditionally underrepresented groups, as they enter and thrive in the skilled trades.
