Government of Canada helps to create more than 25,000 apprenticeship positions across Canada
The skilled trades are at the centre of Canada’s economic recovery. Few industries are as essential to Canadians’ everyday lives. Smart investments are needed to support Canadians from all backgrounds in taking up apprenticeship training now, and kick-starting lucrative careers in well-respected skilled trades.
Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough was at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) 2022 National Apprenticeship Conference to announce the launch of the new, federal Apprenticeship Service. The Government of Canada is investing close to $247 million in 13 projects that will enable small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) to offer apprenticeship training opportunities.
Over the next two years, first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades will get the hands-on experience and training they require to progress toward becoming certified in the Red Seal trades as a result of connecting with opportunities at these employers. The organizations that are being funded under the Apprenticeship Service will distribute financial incentives to SMEs, and provide additional supports, such as help navigating the apprenticeship system, onboarding apprentices, and creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces. To help marginalized Canadians, the incentives are doubled for SMEs who hire from equity-deserving groups, such as women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people and racialized people. The Government’s investment today will create more than 25,000 new apprenticeship positions across Canada.
As part of the announcement, Minister Qualtrough highlighted funding of over $45 million to the CAF for a project that will provide financial support to SMEs to hire 4,000 first-year Red Seal apprentices in the construction and manufacturing trades. Other highlights of her address to the delegates included: Budget 2022 investments in support of the trades, the need to ensure women, Indigenous youth, racialized Canadians, newcomers and persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to build successful careers in the trades, and the critical role of Canada’s apprenticeship systems to support Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking at the CAF conference, Minister Qualtrough underscored the importance of working together with all partners involved to address the need to recruit and train thousands of tradespeople in the next few years. The support of all levels of government, industry, employers, Indigenous communities and unions is crucial to enhance Canada’s apprenticeship system and build a strong and resilient trades workforce.