Union Training and Innovation Program – Sustainable Jobs Stream

Backgrounder

The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) is delivered under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which aims to support a trade workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive. UTIP supports union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal trades.

The new Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) Sustainable Jobs Stream supports the Government’s Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act and interim 2023-2025 Sustainable Jobs Plan and will invest $95 million over five years to fund projects that support unions in leading the development of green training for workers in the trades.

Projects will:

  • develop and deliver green training for journeypersons and apprentices in the Red Seal trades that will help to reduce Canada’s emissions,
  • enhance partnerships in the Red Seal trades to support a robust trade and apprenticeship ecosystem in Canada.


Green training aims to:

  • support the development of knowledge, competencies and experience needed to enable environmental sustainability of economic activities;
  • contribute to reducing pollution;
  • contribute to natural resources conservation; or,
  • support sustainable and resource-efficient projects.


Green training can include:

  • technical knowledge and skills that are specialized and specific, often required to perform new tasks or jobs as a result of changes in greener technologies, practices, or standards. For example, skills to install and maintain heat pumps.
  • knowledge of environmental sustainability concepts, systems, processes, or practices, such as environmental regulations, resource-efficient production processes and systems, environmental awareness, or waste management, to support the application and adaptation of current trade activities, skills, and knowledge. For example, industrial Mechanics (Millwrights) will gain knowledge on renewable energy systems, such as hydroelectric generation plants or wind turbines, to install, repair, and maintain equipment.


As part of this funding, a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec (in French only)  will support the Province in implementing a program that accounts for the unique features of Quebec’s apprenticeship system. The activities funded in Quebec will align with those delivered elsewhere in Canada.

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