Government of Canada invests to support skilled trades workers in British Columbia
August 16, 2024 Burnaby, British Columbia Employment and Social Development Canada
Today, the Honourable Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced a total of $16,363,288 for 25 projects across British Columbia. These projects are funded through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) – Investments in Training Equipment Stream. Today, Minister Boissonnault announced more than $74.6 million is being invested in 124 projects funded through recent calls for proposals under the UTIP.
Skilled tradespeople are essential for Canada to build more homes and unlock the country’s full economic potential. To help recruit, train and retain more apprentices in skilled trades, our government is making investments to attract more Canadians for these rewarding and in-demand jobs.
Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals, 114 projects 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.
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.
The Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship supports through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, project funding, and support for the Red Seal Program to help build a robust skilled trades workforce for the future that is inclusive, certified and productive.