CANADA INVESTS TO SUPPORT SKILLED TRADES WORKERS

The Government of Canada recently announced over $14.1 million for 13 new projects in Ottawa funded through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) — Investments in Training Equipment stream and the Innovation in Apprenticeship stream. Over $1.1 million in funding for three projects in Alberta under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Investments in Training Equipment stream — primarily going to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology.

The projects in Ottawa are part of the over $74.6 million being invested in 124 projects recently awarded funding under the UTIP. Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream, 114 projects awarded funding over the last two years are helping unions and training providers improve the quality of training by purchasing 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 stream, 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 most pressing needs of the skilled trades workforce, including addressing the housing crisis, barriers to successful entry, and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada’s full economic potential. The Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship assistance. The goal of the support is to build a robust skilled trades workforce that is inclusive, certified, and productive.

“By investing in these projects, the Government is providing the resources and support necessary for BAC to attract, train, and retain the next generation of craftworkers,” said BAC Canada Regional Director Craig Strudwick.