In order to help maintain a robust workforce and better position our country for a strong economic recovery, the Government of Canada is investing in the skilled trades to ensure that Canadians have the training they need to access good, well-paying jobs. The government is making targeted investments, so that key groups facing barriers—like women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians—can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.

“As we continue to fight COVID-19, our support for workers remains strong. Skilled tradespeople across the country have been critical to essential sectors during this pandemic, and they will continue to be so as Canada moves toward economic recovery. This investment will help Canadians, including Canadians from key groups facing barriers, get the training they need to launch exciting and well-paying careers in the trades.”

– Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“Skilled tradespeople are a key component of Canada’s workforce, and are vital to the strength and diversity of our local economies. This investment will help create a pool of qualified tradespeople in Toronto and in communities across the Greater Toronto Area who are ready to take on in-demand jobs during the economic recovery.”

– Arif Virani, Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park, Ontario, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Justice

“This $1.65 million investment from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) will build a strong foundation for our employment social enterprise over the next five years.  It has allowed us to hit the ground running at a critical time when well-paid, secure jobs in the skilled trades can afford survivors of violence the economic independence they need to break free from the cycle of abuse.”

– Abi Ajibolade, Executive Director, The Redwood

• Through the UTIP, the Government of Canada provides $25 million annually to support union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal trades.

• Demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to remain strong as the economy moves toward recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2028, about 700,000 skilled trades workers are also expected to retire. Meeting these demands will require the recruitment and training of thousands of additional skilled workers.

• In Canada, young women continue to be less likely to express interest in a career in the skilled trades. According to a survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, only 2% of 15-year-old female students indicated they were planning to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

• The Government of Canada invests significantly in apprenticeships through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, project funding and support for the Red Seal program. The Government is also working with the provinces and territories to harmonize apprenticeship training requirements in targeted Red Seal trades. 

Associated links

• Government of Canada invests in training to help Canadians become certified in the skilled trades Union Training and Innovation Program
• Support for apprentices
• Budget Plan
• Speech from the Throne
• Fall Economic Statement

For media enquiries, please contact:

Marielle Hossack
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough
marielle.hossack@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Employment and Social Development Canada
819-994-5559
media@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter