OTTAWA: The Government of Canada is targeting key groups —such as women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians— to help find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.
Member of Parliament for Vaughan-Woodbridge and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Revenue, Francesco Sorbara, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, has announced an investment of nearly $890,000 to the College of Carpenters and Allied Trades, for a project funded under the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).
The College will implement online learning as a means of supporting a more diverse and highly skilled carpentry workforce. This funding is part of the Government of Canada’s $62 million investment over five years to help develop a highly qualified skilled trades workforce.
The UTIP supports union-based apprenticeship training and works to reduce barriers to participation and success in Red Seal trades. The first stream, Investments in Training Equipment, helps unions across Canada improve the quality of training through investments in equipment and materials.
The second stream, Innovation in Apprenticeship, supports innovation and strengthened partnerships to address challenges that are limiting apprenticeship outcomes in Canada. The project will establish an innovative delivery model for five courses traditionally taught in the classroom to both apprentices and journey carpenters.
The Government of Canada has proposed to waive interest on the Canada Apprentice Loans until March 31, 2023. Ottawa is also working with the provinces and territories to harmonize training requirements in targeted Red Seal trades