Funding: Union Training and Innovation Program - Investments in Training Equipment Stream

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UTIP - Investments in Training Equipment Stream - Applicant guide main page

Funding: Union Training and Innovation Program - Investments in Training Equipment Stream

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About this funding stream

Funding amount: up to $5,000,000

Opening date: August 31, 2022

Application Deadline: October 12, 2022 at 3:00 PM EDT

Objective

The Investments in Training Equipment Stream aims to increase union investment in training equipment and materials that meet industry standards or investments in new technology. It will fund projects that demonstrate gaps or needs for trades training equipment and/or materials to meet industry standards or investments in new technology for Red Seal apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices.

About the program

The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) supports investments in training equipment and materials for unions. It also supports innovative approaches to improve apprenticeship outcomes, including improving the participation and success of equity derserving groups such as women and Indigenous people.

Information sessions

We will hold information sessions to provide an overview of this application process. You can participate online or by teleconference.

  • September 13, 2022 at 11:00 AM EDT (French)
  • September 13, 2022 at 13:00 PM EDT (English)

If you are interested, send an email to EDSC.PFIMS.EQUIP.MAT-EQUIP.MAT.UTIP.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.

In your email, specify your preferred language (English or French) and if you need accommodations by September 06, 2022. We will send you the instructions on how to attend.

Contact us

Enquiries will be answered between August 31 and October 11, 2022

Email: EDSC.PFIMS.EQUIP.MAT-EQUIP.MAT.UTIP.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Accessibility help

If you need help or accommodations, please contact us by October 4, 2022.

Email: EDSC.PFIMS.EQUIP.MAT-EQUIP.MAT.UTIP.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Eligibility and assessment criteria

To apply, organizations must meet all the following eligibility criteria.

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Eligible applicants

Your organization must be 1 of the following types:

  • a union representing workers in Red Seal trades
  • an organization managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers, for example:
    • a joint training fund set up by a union
    • a union and an employer association

Note:

Organizations in the Province of Quebec cannot apply for this program . The Government of Canada is providing the Government of Quebec with funding so that the Province can implement a program that accounts for the unique features of Quebec's apprenticeship system, while still respecting the design parameters of UTIP.

Eligible projects

Your project must meet all of the following criteria:

  • target training for apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices in Red Seal trades
  • solely support trades that are designated under the Interprovincial Standard Red Seal Program in the province(s) or territory(ies) in which proposed activities will be undertaken. A list of Red Seal trades, including the provinces and territories where they are designated, is available on the Ellis Chart, an online comparative database of apprenticeship programs.
  • be no longer than 36 months
  • request no more than $5,000,000 per project
  • have contributions from sources other than Employment and Social Development Canada:
    • cash equal to or more than 50% of the cost of new, up-to-date equipment and materials
    • 30% cash contribution is acceptable if you can demonstrate that you face any of these challenges:
      • remote location
      • lack of infrastructure
      • limited partnership opportunities
  • provide a quote for the purchase of training equipment or materials for apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices in Red Seal trades

Eligible organizations may submit more than one application under this stream.

Eligible expenditures

We can only pay you back for eligible costs. Eligible costs must directly relate to your project activities.

Here are some examples of eligible expenditures:

  • capital assets (equipment and/or materials)
  • equipment lease, rental or purchase and computer software (online and/or virtual training)
  • internet and other information technology requirements (online and/or virtual training)
  • staff wages (including mandatory employment-related costs) to support reporting
  • professional fees (instead of wages) to support reporting

Examples of what you can buy

Training equipment and materials must meet industry standards on the job site. Refurbished equipment that aligns with industry standards is eligible.

Here are some examples of equipment and/or materials that you can buy:

  • simulators, for example:
    • a tower crane
    • backhoe
  • advanced welding technology
  • geothermal training systems
  • milling/bevelling guns
  • electric hoists
  • sheet metal for use in training activities, for example, welding

Ineligible costs

The ineligible costs are any other costs, such as:

  • purchase of used equipment
  • transportation, shipping and delivery
  • renovation and installation
  • staff wages for the delivery of training
  • set-up of classrooms and office supplies

Assessment criteria

We will assess your application based on the following criteria:

Project objectives

  • Describe how the project addresses gaps or needs for training equipment and/or materials for apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices in the Red Seal trades

Project activities, timelines and feasibility

  • Provide clear and relevant description of the project activities
  • Provide clear and feasible timelines to complete the project activities

Projects results

  • Describe how this funding will improve access to training for apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices in the Red Seal Trades
  • Describe how the applicant plans to gather, measure and report on results achieved by the project

Project costs

  • Provide a brief and clear justification of how the applicant intends to use the money
  • Demonstrate that the costs are reasonable and support the project activities

We may give priority to projects that:

  • encourage equipment and material purchases that support the development of environmental skills in the Red Seal trades;
  • Fill gaps in the geographic coverage of UTIP Stream 1 activities across Canada (except Quebec);
  • Contribute to the CFP objective of reaching approximately 33,000 Red Seal apprentices and pre-apprentices;
  • Are submitted by eligible organizations who have demonstrated 5 years or more of experience in delivery of projects that support training of pre-apprentices or apprentices in the skilled trades.

Instructions to complete your application

The purpose of this section is to help you fill in the application. It describes the specific documents and information you need to fill in your application form.

Read this entire section before you start filling in the form. It will help you determine if there is more information you need to collect before you start your application.

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Gather supporting documents

It is important to submit a complete application. Make sure you have all the documents you need before you apply. If your application is incomplete, we will notify you by email. You will have 5 business days to submit the missing information. If your application is not complete by that time, we will reject it from the process.

Supporting document checklist:

  1. Completed application form
  2. Completed budget detail template
  3. Quote for the purchase of training equipment and/or material

Alternate formats

How to answer the application questions

The purpose of this section is to help you fill in the application. It describes the specific information you need for each question on the form.

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Section A

Important information appears in Section A of the application and is for your information and understanding. It contains information about the Attestation, the information you provide in the application, and the access of information. Read this information carefully.

Important notice: The following information is posted on Open Government:

  • Organization name
  • Business number
  • Amount of funding
  • Project title
  • Agreement number
  • Agreement dates
  • Location

Part 1 – Organization

A - Organization identification

Question 1: Legal name

What is your organization's legal name? The legal name is usually:

  • the name on your registration with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or provincial/territorial equivalent, or
  • the name used on funding cheques, bank accounts, etc.
Question 2: Operating (common) name (if different from legal name)

What is the operating (or common) name of your organization (if it differs from the legal name)?

Question 3: Business or registration number

What is your 15-digit CRA business number? (For example, 123456789 RR 0001).

For registered charities and not-for-profit organizations, what is your registration number?

You can find your CRA business number on tax-related documents or written communications from the CRA.

For more information, please visit CRA.

If you do not have a:

  • CRA business number, or
  • not-for-profit registration number

You must provide one of following documents:

If incorporated:

  • a copy of letters of patents
  • articles of incorporation
  • certificate of incorporation
  • memorandum of association
  • your rules, by-laws, or constitution

If not incorporated:

  • a copy of your rules, bylaws, council resolutions, or constitution
Question 4: Organization type

Your answer to this question must be "Not-for-Profit Sector".

Note:

Organizations in the Province of Quebec cannot apply for this program. The Government of Canada is providing the Government of Quebec with funding so that the Province can implement a program that accounts for the unique features of Quebec's apprenticeship system, while still respecting the design parameters of UTIP.

Question 5: Organization category

Tell us which category applies to you:

  • associations of workers and/or employers
  • unions

Organizations managing training funds for Red Seal trades (see Glossary) workers must answer this question with "Associations of Workers and/or Employers", for example:

  • a joint training fund for Red Seal trades workers set up by a union
  • a union representing pre-apprentices (non-registered apprentices) and apprentices in Red Seal trades
Question 6: Year established

What year was your organization established?

Questions 7 to 11: Organization address

What is your organization's address? Give a complete address in a format recognized by Canada Post. For more information, please visit Canada Post website.

Questions 12 to 14: Telephone, fax and email

What is your organization's telephone number, fax number (if it has one) and email address?

Questions 15 to 19: Mailing address (if different from organization address)

What is the mailing address of your organization (if it differs from your organization's physical address)?

Questions 20 and 21: Telephone and fax

What are your organization's telephone and fax numbers (if different from your organization’s telephone and fax numbers)?

Question 22: Organization’s mandate

What are your organization’s main activities, including your mandate, mission and objectives?

Select the target group(s) that best aligns with your organization’s primary activities (more than one may be selected).

Note: your answer to this question will not impact the assessment of your proposed project. (Optional):

  • Seniors
  • Newcomers
  • Visible Minorities (including racialized individuals)
  • Youth
  • Women
  • LGBTQ2+
  • People with Disabilities
  • Low income
  • Remote / Rural
  • Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
  • Official Language Minority Communities
  • Indigenous (specify)
    • First Nations
    • Inuit
    • Metis
    • Urban/Non Affiliated
  • Other (specify)
  • Not Applicable

B - Organization contact

Question 23: Given name and surname

Who is the main contact person for the proposed project?

Question 24: Position title

What is the title of the contact person named in question 23?

For example:

  • Business Owner
  • President
  • Executive Director
Question 25: Preferred language of communication

What official language would your contact person prefer to use in written and spoken communications?

Question 26: Organization contact (address)

Does the address of your contact person differ from the organization address or the organization mailing address in Section A?

Questions 27 to 31: Contact address

If you answered "yes" in question 26, what is the address of your contact person?

Questions 32 and 33: Telephone and fax

What are the telephone and fax (if they have one) numbers of your contact person?

Question 34: Email address

What is the email address of your contact person? We will send all communications to this address.

Question 35 to 46: Secondary contact

If we cannot reach the main contact, who else can we contact? Provide the person’s full name, telephone number where we can reach them during business hours and their email address.

C. Organizational capacity

Question 47: How many employees does your organization currently have?

Not applicable for this Call for proposals.

Question 48: Has your organization undergone any important transformations in the past 2 years?

Not applicable for this Call for proposals.

Question 49: Describe how your organization has the experience and expertise to carry out the proposed project activities

If applicable, please include any past experience with ESDC or in delivering projects that support training of pre-apprentices or apprentices in the skilled trades.

Note: Priority may be given to eligible organizations who demonstrate 5 years or more of experience in delivery of projects that support training of pre-apprentices or apprentices in the skilled trades.

Question 50 to 51: Does your organization owe any amount to the Government of Canada?

If ‘Yes’, complete the fields for each amount owing. We will not reject your application for this reason. However, you must provide detail as to the type of debt and the arrangements you have for repayment.

Part 2 – Project

A - Project identification

Question 52: Project title

Give a short title that describes your project.

Questions 53 and 54: Planned project start (yyyy/mm/dd) and end dates (yyyy/mm/dd)

When do you plan to start and end your project?

Projects cannot exceed 36 months and are planned to start in March 2023.

The purchase of equipment and/or materials (see Glossary) should be planned in the first year. The following 2 years are to report on basic information for us to evaluate your project.

Project activities can only start after we have approved your project and signed a funding agreement. ESDC can only pay for activities that start once a funding agreement is signed.

B - Project description

Question 55: Project objectives (must clearly link to the program objectives)

Clearly describe how your project will help you address the need for skilled trades training equipment and/or materials to meet industry standards or investments in new technology for the apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices in Red Seal trades.

Provide information that shows that the training equipment and/or materials will support training for training in Red Seal trades designated by the province and/or territory. A list of Red Seal trades, including the provinces and territories where they are designated, is available on the Ellis Chart, an online comparative database of apprenticeship programs.

Please indicate how many apprentices and pre-apprentices your project will aim to reach in 2023 to 2024.

Here are some examples of equipment and/or materials that you can buy:

  • simulators, for example:
    • a tower crane
    • backhoe
  • advanced trade-based technology
  • geothermal training systems
  • milling/bevelling guns
  • electric hoists
  • sheet metal for use in training activities (for example, welding)

Note:

Training equipment and materials must meet industry standards on the job site. Used equipment is not eligible, but refurbished equipment that aligns with industry standards is eligible.

We may give priority to projects that:

  • encourage equipment and/or material purchases that support the development of environmental skills in the Red Seal trades. This will support action to address climate change and support Canada’s transition to a lower-carbon economy (see Glossary);
  • contribute to the CFP objective of reaching approximately 33,000 Red Seal apprentices and pre-apprentices;
Question 56: Project activities (give clear steps for each one)

Project activities are the steps that will be taken to meet the project objectives that you identified in your answer to Question 55.

Your answer to this question must include the following details:

  • Milestones (milestones are significant events or points of progress during the project)
  • Clear linkages between the proposed activities and the costs outlined in the budget. Costs associated with identified activities should be reflected in the Budget Detail Template

Please use the following example to show how activities are planned for the full duration of your proposed project.

Activity timelines:

  • months 1 to 12
    • Acquire competitive estimates/quotes for the equipment/material purchase
    • Order the equipment and/or materials
    • Receive the equipment and/or materials
    • Equipment and/or materials ready for training
  • months 12 to 35
    • Collect data/information on apprentices/journey persons trained on the equipment and/or materials or in the new technology, and prepare reports
    • Provide annual reports on Results Measurement Indicators to us
  • month 36 (last month of the project)
    • Prepare and submit a final report to us

Eligible activities and costs include:

  • the purchase of equipment and/or materials directly related to training in a Red Seal trade
  • the collection, and reporting of the results of the projects
Question 57: Expected results of the project

Tell us how this funding will improve access to training for apprentices and/or non-registered apprentices in the Red Seal trades.

Question 58: Does the project include indicators to measure results?

Your answer to this question must be "yes".

You must describe how you plan to gather, measure and report on results achieved by the project.

If we select your project for funding, you will be required to provide information about the results of your project, including:

  • number of individuals participating in the funded projects that participate in skills training activities
  • number of individuals participating in funded projects reporting an increase in skills after program intervention
  • number of individuals participating in funded projects continuing in apprenticeship after program intervention
  • number of individuals participating in funded projects who report they are employed in a skilled trade
  • number and type of project partners, such as:
    • unions
    • Employers
    • Indigenous organizations
    • Educational institutions
    • Non-profit organizations
    • For-profit organizations
    • Provincial and/or territorial government
    • Municipal governments

For all results data collected on individuals in funded project (listed above), you will be required to indicate the number of participants by equity-deserving groups listed below, based on voluntary self-identification by participants themselves:

  • youth
  • women
  • persons with disabilities
  • Indigenous people
  • members of LGBTQ2+ communities
  • visible minorities (including racialized individuals)
  • newcomers

This data will be used to demonstrate the results of your project over the two years following the purchase of your training equipment and/or materials.

Question 59: Does this proposed project fit with your organization's other activities?

Not applicable for this Call for proposals.

Question 60: Will any of the project activities be delivered in a different location than where your organization is located?

If "yes", give the main address first and then add other addresses.

If you have more than 5 locations, please continue your answer in Appendix A.

Note: Priority may be given to projects that fill gaps in the geographic coverage of UTIP Stream 1 activities across Canada (except Quebec).

Question 61: Will your project benefit or involve people in English or French language minority communities?

We commit to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minorities in Canada. We support and assist their development and foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canadian society. Official language minority communities are English-speaking communities established within the province of Québec and French-speaking communities established outside the province of Québec.

Answering "No" to this question will not invalidate your application.

If your proposed project involves official language minority communities, you should answer "yes" to this question. Complete the question following the instructions in the application form.

Find more information about official language minority communities

Question 62: Is your project targeting equity deserving groups?

If "yes", select the specific target group(s) that applies to your project.

  • youth
  • women
  • persons with disabilities(including racialized individuals)
  • Indigenous people
  • members of LGBTQ2+ communities
  • visible minorities
  • newcomers
Question 63: Will any other organizations, networks be involved in carrying out the project?

Not applicable for this Call for proposals.

Question 64: Does the project address the program’s national, regional or local priorities?

Not applicable for this Call for proposals.

Question 65: Does your project include activities that are listed in the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (IAAC) Physical Activities Regulations established under the Impact Assessment Act?

Not applicable for this Call for proposals.

Part 3 – Funding

A - Anticipated sources of funding

You must have a cash contribution equal to or more than 50% of the cost of new, up-to-date equipment and materials. This must come from sources other than ESDC. In-kind contributions are not eligible under this funding process.

We will accept contributions equal to or more than 30%, in cases involving:

  • remote locations
  • lack of infrastructure, and/or
  • limited partnership opportunities

Check the glossary for the definition of each of the barriers listed above. In Annex A of the application form, you must demonstrate that you face any of these challenges.

If we select your project, we will ask you to submit a letter confirming the cash contribution from a source other than us. That letter will need to confirm that the cash contribution will be available when you will begin the project.

If we accept your application, the combined contributions from federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments must be equal to or less than 100% of eligible costs.

Question 66: Source name

If you are receiving contributions from other sources, tell us the names of all the organizations that will contribute funds and/or in-kind contributions to this project.

Question 67: Source type

Tell us what type of organization is providing the cash contribution from the following options:

  • not-for-profit organizations
  • municipal governments
  • provincial and territorial governments, institutions and Crown Corporations
  • Indigenous organizations including:
    • band councils
    • tribal councils
    • self-government entities
  • international organizations
  • coalitions, networks or committees
  • research organizations or institutes
  • educational institutions
  • for-profit organizations
Question 68: Cash contributions

Tell us how much cash contributions you will receive.

Question 69: In-kind contributions

Not applicable for this funding process.

Question 70: Confirmed cash and in-kind

Tell us if the cash contributions are confirmed. In-kind contribution is not applicable for this funding process.

B - Budget

List each activity and its associated cost in your Application for funding (PDF Format) and Budget detail template (PDF Format). The amounts must be the same in both documents. Your costs must be reasonable and support your project activities.

Note that you will need to send us one quote for the purchase of the equipment and/or materials with your application.

Enter your costs like the following examples:

  • equipment - all-terrain crane: $1,300,000
  • materials - 200 sheets of metal at $100/each= $20,000
  • staff wages (for reporting activities):
    • administrative assistant: 20$/hour X 1 (number of hours charged to the project per week) X 104 (number of weeks)= $2,080
    • Mandatory Employment Related Costs (MERCs) at 15% (or other) of salary ($2,080)= $312
    • benefits: $156
    • total wages: $2,548
  • or professional fees (for reporting activities) - consultant: $25/hour X 1.5 (number of hours charged to the project) X 104 (number of weeks) = $3,900
Question 71: Cost category

Summarize your project budget by using the Budget detail template (PDF format, 47 KB).

We can only pay you back for eligible costs. Eligible costs must directly relate to your project activities.

Here are some examples of eligible expenditures:

  • capital assets (equipment and/or materials)
  • equipment lease, rental or purchase and computer software (online and/or virtual training)
  • internet and other information technology requirements (online and/or virtual training)
  • staff wages (including mandatory employment-related costs) to support reporting
  • professional fees (instead of wages) to support reporting

The ineligible costs are any other costs, such as:

  • purchase of used equipment
  • transportation, shipping and delivery
  • renovation and installation
  • staff wages for the delivery of training
  • set-up of classrooms and office supplies

As stated in Question 56, include costs related to the reporting of the results of your project. The amount should be no more than $3,900 for the duration of your project. If we select your project for funding, we will review this amount with you.

Questions 72 to 74: Planned spending (dollar)

Give the total planned spending from all sources, including us. The amounts should align with those that you put in section A. Anticipated sources of funding of your Application for funding.

"Other" means a cash or in-kind contribution from other sources other than us.

C - Budget details

Question 75: Associated businesses or individuals

Check all statements that apply to your planned spending of the funding from us.

In carrying out the project, you may need contractors or third parties (outside providers) to carry out part of the project activities, such as reporting.

"Associated businesses or individuals" means:

  • an officer, director or employee of your organization, or a member of their immediate family
  • a business in which an officer, director or employee of your organization, or a member of their immediate family, has a financial interest
  • a business connected to your organization
Question 76: Capital assets: Will capital assets be among your planned expenditures with ESDC funding?

Not applicable for this funding process.

Question 77: Further budget details

Give us a breakdown of your total costs per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31), by project activity and cost category. List all activities and cost categories.

As an example, this could be the breakdown for a 3-year project with $120,000 in eligible costs:

  • April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024: $50,000
    • Activity X: $20,000:
      • cost category Y: $10,000
      • cost category Y: $10,000
    • Activity X: $15,000:
      • cost category Y: $15,000
    • Activity X: $15,000:
      • cost category Y: $15,000
  • April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025: $40,000
    • Activity X: $10,000:
      • cost category Y: $10,000
    • Activity X: $30,000:
      • cost category Y: $30,000
  • April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026: $30,000
    • Activity X: $15,000:
      • cost category Y: $15,000
    • Activity X:
      • cost category Y: $15,000

Part 4 – Attestation

(This section is mandatory)

To be considered eligible, an official representative must attest that they:

  • have the capacity and the authority to submit an Application for Funding on behalf of the organization
  • certify that the information provided in the Application for Funding and any supporting documentation is true, accurate, and complete, and
  • have read the applicant guide and understood the program’s requirements

To do this, the official representative must provide their name, title and the date.

As this is an attestation, no signature is required.

Appendix A

Tell us if you require an exception to the level of contribution to be eligible. You may receive it if you face any of these challenges:

  • remote location
  • lack of infrastructure
  • limited partnership opportunities

Use this section to add information to previous sections of the application, and specify the question number.

Glossary

Environmental skills

Environmental skills are defined as skills, competencies and experience related to standards, practices and technology within the skilled trades that support a transition to a clean economy and efforts to reduce environmental impacts.

Examples of environmental skills are:

  • skills to install and maintain geo-thermal piping systems, for example heat pumps
  • skills to install and maintain renewable energy systems, for example:
    • photovoltaic
    • solar thermal
  • skills to install and maintain electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
  • skills to recycle and dispose of environmentally sensitive materials
  • skills to install or retrofit buildings with high-efficiency lighting technologies
  • skills to install or retrofit buildings with high-efficiency insulation including mechanical insulation
  • skills to install and maintain energy-efficient mechanical systems, for example:
    • heating
    • cooling
    • ventilation, and
    • air conditioning
  • skills to reduce industrial emissions. This could include new components in pollution control devices and systems:
    • fabricating
    • constructing
    • erecting
    • installing
    • maintaining
    • repairing

Lack of infrastructure

A lack of access to resources and facilities that may limit employment and apprenticeship opportunities in the trades.

Limited partnership opportunities

A situation where establishing partnerships can be more difficult. This could happen because of a limited number of employers and training institutions, or agreement holders competing for available partners. Remote and isolated regions can have limited presence of partners such as:

  • large/major industries
  • colleges or polytechnics
  • non-governmental organizations

Non-registered apprentices

Non-registered apprentices are persons who are not registered with the applicable provincial or territorial authority as an apprentice for formal apprenticeship training in a designated trade within their provincial or territorial jurisdiction.

Red Seal Trades

A Red Seal endorsement on a journey person's Certificate of Qualification confirms:

  • the person has achieved a nationally recognized level of competency in the trade
  • the journey person is licensed to practise his/her trade in any province or territory of Canada where they are designated

There are 54 recognized Red Seal Trades.

Remote location

A geographical area where a community is located over 350 km from the nearest service centre that has year-round road access. This could include geographical areas that have scheduled flights and good telephone services, but are without year-round road access. For example:

  • small population, defined as an area with a population less than 1,000 or a population density of less than 400 persons per square kilometer
  • limited access to urban centres and training facilities, defined as areas without year-round road access
  • on a reserve

Training equipment and training material

Training equipment must be for long-term use, such as:

  • crane simulators
  • advanced welding technology
  • geothermal training systems
  • milling/bevelling guns
  • electric hoists

Training materials are usually for short-term use. They are often transformed during the process. Apprentices and journey persons can use training materials to practise on during training. An example is sheet metal to practise welding.

Training equipment and materials must meet industry standards on the job site. Used equipment is not eligible, but refurbished equipment that aligns with industry standards is eligible.

How to apply

Once you have read the instructions to answer the application questions and gathered your supporting documents, you are ready to apply.

Apply by Grants and Contributions Online Service (GCOS)

GCOS allows you to apply and track multiple applications online. You can check your application status, sign agreements, manage, submit documents and review past projects submitted through GCOS.

Steps to apply

Step 1: Create your GCOS account.

It may take up to 10 business days to create your account.

Step 2: Read the instructions to complete your application form.

This guide includes details for each question of the form.

Note:

The questions in the online form are in the same order as the PDF application form. However, the questions are not numbered online.

Step 3: Apply

You will be asked to upload some of your supporting documents into the GCOS application.

Apply through GCOS

Other ways to apply

Apply by email

Step 1: Download and complete forms

Download and complete the Application form and budget detail template.

Alternate formats
Alternate formats

Step 2: Complete Part 4 - Attestation

Complete attestation in the application form.

Step 3: Submit your application

Send your complete application package by email to EDSC.PFIMS.EQUIP.MAT-EQUIP.MAT.UTIP.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca

Apply by mail

Step 1: Download and complete forms

Download and complete the Application form and budget detail template.

Alternate formats
Alternate formats

Step 2: Complete Part 4 - Attestation

Complete attestation in the application form.

Step 3: Submit your application

Send your complete application package by mail to:

  • mailing address:
    Union Training and Innovation Program submissions: Investments in Training Equipment Stream
    Coordination Unit, Mailstop 402
    National Grants & Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC)
    140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 4th Floor
    Gatineau QC K1A 0J9

Note on PDFs

Our Application form uses PDF form technology. You must have a PDF reader installed to use the form. There are several readers you can get on the Internet for free that support our form. Both Adobe Reader 8 (or higher) or Foxit Reader should work.

Downloading the application form
  • Make sure that you have one of the above PDF readers installed on your system
  • Select the Application form
  • When prompted to open or save, select “Save as”
  • Select your folder location and save (file type must be PDF)
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After you apply

What happens after you apply and when to expect to hear a funding decision.

On this page

Confirmation that we've received your application

If you applied through the GCOS

You will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt.

If you applied by email

You will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt by email.

If you applied by mail

You will receive a confirmation of receipt by email within 14 calendar days. We will use the email address you provided in your application.

How we assess your application

We will review your application in 3 steps by:

  1. screening for eligibility against the mandatory eligibility requirements (in questions 4-5, 53-54, 66-68 and 70 in the Applicant Guide)
  2. assessing how your project meets the program objectives (in questions 55 to 58 in the Applicant Guide and in the Budget Detail template)
  3. considering priorities to select the projects (in questions 49, 55 and 60 in the Applicant Guide)

Note:

ESDC may refuse applications that are incomplete or contain errors. We will contact you to request any mandatory information if it is missing from your application. We will do this before we determine if your application is eligible.

If you receive such a request, you must respond within 5 business days of the date we sent the request. If you do not respond before the deadline, we will assess your application with the information on file.

Learn more about the assessment criteria

How long it will take to get a funding decision

We expect to make funding decisions in late January 2023. ESDC will let you know the outcome of the review of your application in writing.

We will issue a notification of funding decision letter within 112 calendar days of the date the submission period has ended.

Appeal process

Not all submitted applications will be selected for funding as funding is limited. Please note that decisions are final and there is no appeal process.

Payments

We will issue payments within 14 calendar days of the date we receive a completed claim package for contribution projects.

We will issue the payment within 14 calendar days after the approved project’s start date under normal circumstances for grant projects.

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