Government of Canada Invests to Recruit, Retain and Train more Apprentices in Skilled Trades

August 16, 2024

The federal government has announced more than $74.6 million is being invested in 124 projects funded through recent calls for proposals under the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). These projects bolster training through the purchase of equipment and materials and improve the participation of equity-deserving groups in apprenticeships.

As part of this funding:

• 114 projects from the 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals under the Investments in Training Equipment stream 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 new technology.
• 10 projects from the 2022 call for proposals under the Innovation in Apprenticeship stream support unions to recruit and retain apprentices in Red Seal trades, including women, newcomers, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people and racialized individuals, through mentorship, career services, wraparound supports and job matching.

UTIP is part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s response to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to people entering the skilled trades, addressing the housing crisis and increasing net-zero construction.

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. 

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 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.

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