Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government last week announced more than $14 million for 13 new trades-training projects in Ottawa.
A call for proposals is open until Sept. 5, after opening June 20.
“By funding these projects, our government is helping more Canadians in Ottawa to work in rewarding jobs in the skilled trades and supporting the development of a workforce that is skilled, inclusive, certified and productive,” said Orleans MP Marie-France Lalonde.
Funding comes from the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) – Investments in Training Equipment stream and the Innovation in Apprenticeship.
Ottawa projects are part of the announcement made earlier today by Minister Boissonnault, of more than $74.6 million being invested in 124 projects funded through recent calls for proposals under the UTIP. Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream, 114 projects from 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals are helping unions and training providers improve the quality of training through the purchase of equipment and materials that meet the latest industry standards or investing in new technology.
The remaining 10 projects are being funded under the 2022 UTIP – Innovation in Apprenticeship call for proposals, which support innovative approaches and strengthen partnerships to address apprenticeship challenges in the Red Seal trades.
UTIP is part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s response to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successful entry, addressing the housing crisis and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada’s economic potential.
“We’re investing in the skilled tradespeople who will help build a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “Through this program, we’re supporting groups like Local 2041 of the Carpenters’ Union in Ottawa, providing workers with cutting-edge tools and hands-on experience to ensure they receive top-quality training.”
The federal government will commit more than $95 million over five years to help unions and their partners provide green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices, journeypersons and other workers.