Federal Government Contributing $5.5 M to IBEW Local Union 804 Pre-Apprentice Training and Retention Program

July 24, 2019

The funding will enable IBEW Local 804 to create an interactive and accessible learning platform and work in partnership with organizations that promote the electrical trade. The participants — 40 electrical trade apprentices — will receive 11 weeks of classroom training, including hands-on practical learning, followed by 17 weeks of on-the-job training with a contractor. Beneficiaries include existing International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) members and members who will relocate to the Waterloo, Ontario region.

“Canada’s future success depends on building an economy that is as inclusive as it is innovative,” says Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. “That’s why our government is investing in this project that will help apprentices in the Waterloo region, and especially those who face additional barriers to participate and succeed in the skilled trades. The goal is to help all Canadians launch exciting, fulfilling careers in the trades.”

The $5.5 million contribution is part of an annual  $25 million investment by the federal government in the Union Training and Innovation Program, which has two streams: 

• Investments in Training Equipment Stream
• Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream

Projects like this help unions across Canada improve the quality of training through investments for equipment and materials, and support innovation and enhanced partnerships to address long-standing challenges that limit apprenticeship outcomes in Canada. As a result of these investments, more apprentices will be able to develop their skills, complete their training and find good, well-paying jobs.

Photo source: Western Resources Center for Women in Apprenticeship, a joint project of Oregon Tradeswomen, Inc., Seattle-based Apprenticeship & Nontraditional Employment for Women (ANEW), and Oakland, California-based Tradeswomen, Inc.; http://womeninapprenticeship.org/provider-tradeswomen-image-library/

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