The federal government will provide nearly $10 million to train workers in energy assessment techniques for insulation trades, part of a broader effort to address skilled trades shortages across Canada’s construction sector.
Employment and Social Development Canada announced the funding Feb. 6 for the BC Construction Industry Skills Improvement Council, known as SkillPlan. The organization will develop and implement a national energy assessment training program for insulator (heat and frost) Red Seal trade workers.
The project will train more than 1,800 workers in the unionized construction sector, according to SkillPlan CEO Kyle Downie.
“Through this national training system, SkillPlan will be working alongside our partners, including International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers local unions and Canada’s Building Trades Unions, to help equip more than 1,800 workers in the unionized construction sector with advanced energy-efficiency skills,” Downie said.
Addressing workforce gaps
The funding comes from the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. The stream is expected to support approximately 29,000 workers in Red Seal trades over five years starting in 2025-2026.
Canada faces significant skilled trades workforce gaps in coming years. The government estimates more than 410,000 job openings for skilled trades in the construction sector by 2033, including 189,000 from retirements.
“Canada is a nation of builders, and we are investing in those who build,” said John Zerucelli, secretary of state for labour. “To build major infrastructure, more homes and our defense industry we are creating rewarding careers for those in the skilled trades.”
Expanded program funding
Budget 2025 proposed a $75 million expansion of the Union Training and Innovation Program over three years to increase union-based apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades.
Since 2017, the program has supported more than 145,000 participants, including 28,813 in 2023-2024.
The federal government provides nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support through loans, project funding, tax credits and deductions, and Employment Insurance benefits.
The government has committed to doubling the pace of housing construction from 250,000 units per year to 500,000.
