OTTAWA, ON, Aug. 16, 2024 /CNW/ - Skilled tradespeople are essential for Canada to build more homes and unlock the country's full economic potential. To help recruit, retain and train more apprentices in skilled trades, the Government of Canada is making investments to attract more young people, women and other equity-deserving groups to these rewarding and in-demand jobs.

Today, the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced over $14.1 million for 13 new projects in the Ottawa Region funded through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) – Investments in Training Equipment stream and the Innovation in Apprenticeship stream.

These projects are part of the announcement made earlier today by Minister Boissonnault, of more than $74.6 million being invested in 124 projects funded through recent calls for proposals under the UTIP. Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream, 114 projects from 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals are helping unions and training providers improve the quality of training through the purchase of equipment and materials that meet the latest industry standards or investing in new technology. The remaining 10 projects are being funded under the 2022 UTIP – Innovation in Apprenticeship call for proposals, which support innovative approaches and strengthen partnerships to address apprenticeship challenges in the Red Seal trades.

UTIP is part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's response to the skilled trades workforce's most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successful entry, addressing the housing crisis and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada's economic potential.

The Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship supports through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, project funding and support for the Red Seal Program to help build a robust skilled trades workforce for the future that is inclusive, certified and productive.

Quotes

"Canada is home to the smartest minds, the most talented workers and a strong education, training and employment system. Building on these strengths will help us adapt to a changing global economy and get ahead. 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."
– Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages

"We're investing in the skilled tradespeople who will help build a stronger, more resilient economy. Through this program, we're supporting groups like Local 2041 of the Carpenters' Union in Ottawa, providing workers with cutting-edge tools and hands-on experience to ensure they receive top-quality training."
– Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

"By funding these projects, our government is helping more Canadians in Ottawa to work in rewarding jobs in the skilled trades and supporting the development of a workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive."
– Marie-France Lalonde, Member of Parliament for Orleans

Quick Facts

• Since the start of the program in 2017, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $305 million in grants and contributions funding under UTIP.
• A call for proposals under the new UTIP Sustainable Jobs funding Stream was launched on June 20, 2024 to support unions and their partners in leading the development of green training for workers in the trades. An investment of over $95 million over five years will help unions and their partners provide green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices, journeypersons and other workers. This call for proposals is open until September 5, 2024. As part of this funding, a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec will support the province in implementing a program that accounts for the specific features of Quebec's apprenticeship system.
• To help address the growing need for skilled trades workers, Budget 2024 announced the Government's intention to deliver a $90 million investment for the Apprenticeship Service to support small and medium-sized employers in creating placements for apprentices and $10 million for the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program to encourage Canadians to explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.
• The Government of Canada also supports apprentices financially as they progress through their technical training. Apprentices can access Employment Insurance benefits during technical training and up to $20,000 in interest-free Canada Apprentice Loans as well as Apprenticeship Grants of up to $4,000.
• Canada.ca/skilled-trades provides Canadians with information about what the skilled trades are, how to become a tradesperson and what financial supports are available to them while in training.

Funding allocated to each project announced

Associated Links
Government of Canada invests to recruit, retain and train more apprentices in skilled trades
Backgrounder: Union Training and Innovation Program
About the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy
Union Training and Innovation Program
Budget 2024
Canada.ca/skilled-trades

Follow us on X

SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada