Canadian Government Invests in Green Training for Skilled Trades

Canadian tradespeople are at the forefront of ensuring the country remains competitive in the global race for economic opportunity. As Canada advances towards its net-zero goals, the government is investing in the workforce to sustainably build over 3.8 million new homes by 2031. This investment also extends to developing clean power plants, electric vehicles, and more.

Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Official Languages, the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, alongside Ministers Wilkinson and O’Regan, announced a call for proposals under the new Sustainable Jobs Stream of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).

This initiative involves an investment of over $95 million over five years, aimed at providing green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons. The call for proposals will remain open until September 5, 2024.

Additionally, a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec will support the province in implementing a program that aligns with Quebec’s unique apprenticeship system. The activities funded in Quebec will mirror those delivered elsewhere in Canada.

This investment ensures tradespeople can keep pace with high-demand job skills as industries shift to low-carbon alternatives and global partners seek to buy Canadian clean technologies. The call for proposals complements the investment in the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, which supports tens of thousands of workers in upgrading or gaining new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy.

“Skilled tradespeople carry out crucial work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in the Sustainable Jobs Stream will help thousands of workers across Canada develop the skills needed for green jobs – meaning more work for Canadians and a lower carbon footprint for the country,” said Minister Boissonnault.

The UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream is a part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s new focus, responding to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs. These include addressing barriers to successful entry, supporting the progression and completion of apprenticeships, tackling the housing crisis, and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada’s economic potential.

To address the growing need for skilled trades workers, Budget 2024 announced the Government’s intention to deliver a historic $90 million investment for the Apprenticeship Service, supporting small and medium-sized employers in creating placements for apprentices. Additionally, $10 million will be allocated to the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program to encourage Canadians to explore and prepare for careers in skilled trades.

“Canadian workers and industries are seizing economic opportunities as we build thriving low-carbon industries and more sustainable communities. This call for proposals under the Union Training and Innovation Program will contribute to Canada’s Sustainable Jobs plan while equipping more Canadian tradespeople with the skills and supports they need to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for Canada,” stated Minister Wilkinson.

The Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship support through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, project funding, and support for the Red Seal program, all aimed at building a robust skilled trades workforce for the future that is inclusive, certified, and productive.

“There are so many new jobs and new opportunities in Canadian energy. Workers want in. They’re ready to lead the world and build Canada’s prosperous future. With training led by workers themselves, they will,” commented Minister O’Regan.

The UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream and the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund are part of Canada’s comprehensive sustainable jobs approach, as outlined in the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act and interim Sustainable Jobs Plan for 2023–2025. Bill C-50, the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act, has received Royal Assent, paving the way for engagement with the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and Secretariat in developing the 2025 Sustainable Jobs Action Plan.

Green training is required in industries such as low-carbon building construction, clean energy deployment, and the zero-emission vehicles and battery supply chain. Clean energy jobs could comprise approximately 10% of employment, or 2 million direct and indirect jobs, in a 2050 net-zero scenario, according to a Canadian Labour Congress and Pembina Institute report. Building a net-zero-emissions economy could create up to 400,000 new jobs in Canada by the end of this decade, according to the Royal Bank of Canada.

More than half of the apprentices in Red Seal trades in 2021 worked in the construction sector, contributing to the construction of homes. However, the residential construction sector will be short 41,200 workers over the next 10 years, according to BuildForce Canada. Furthermore, approximately 40% of new jobs in trades, transport, and equipment occupations will require enhanced skill sets, according to a 2022 Royal Bank report.

This significant investment by the Government of Canada ensures that tradespeople across the country are well-equipped for the future, fostering a robust, inclusive, and sustainable economy.