Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government is providing nearly $9 million to the Building and Construction Trades Department, also known as Canada’s Building Trades Unions, to develop training aimed at preparing sheet metal workers for a low-carbon economy.
Funding will support the creation, delivery, and evaluation of green-focused programs for both unionized and non-unionized apprentices and journeypersons. The initiative is expected to help roughly 2,000 sheet metal workers acquire skills to meet Canada’s evolving energy and infrastructure needs.
“Unionized skilled tradespeople are driving Canada’s transition to a stronger, more resilient economy, and today’s announcement gives our members the power to lead it,” said Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canada’s Building Trades Union. “This is about good careers, real opportunity and a workforce ready to build Canada.”
The project is part of the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream, which operates under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. It complements other federal investments in the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, designed to assist workers in acquiring skills needed for green jobs.
Starting in 2025–2026, the UTIP Sustainable Jobs stream is expected to support approximately 29,000 workers in the Red Seal trades over five years. Budget 2025 proposed a $75 million expansion of the Union Training and Innovation Program over three years, aiming to further strengthen union-based apprenticeship training across the Red Seal trades.
Last week the government announced nearly $20 million in UTIP funding for the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America and the Carpenters Regional Council to support training and upskilling for workers.
According to government figures, the UTIP Sustainable Jobs stream is expected to support about 29,000 workers in the Red Seal trades over the next five years. Since 2017, UTIP programs have reached more than 145,000 participants, including nearly 29,000 in 2023–2024.
The government has also highlighted the need for skilled trades workers to meet the country’s construction and infrastructure demands. Current estimates suggest more than 410,000 job openings in the construction sector by 2033, including nearly 190,000 resulting from retirements. Federal policy aims to double the pace of housing construction to 500,000 homes annually.
Canada.ca/skilled-trades provides resources for those interested in trades careers, including information on training programs, financial supports, and apprenticeship opportunities.