Canadian government announces partnership to create at least 300 apprenticeships in Brandon, Man.
by CM Staff
The BNRC Apprentice Incentive Program will provide financial incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they can hire at least 300 first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.
BRANDON — On Oct. 12, the Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor, Dan Vandal was in Brandon, Manitoba, to announce over $2 million in funding to the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (BNRC). The BNRC Apprentice Incentive Program will provide financial incentives to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) so that they can hire at least 300 first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades found predominantly in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This includes apprentices from equity-deserving groups, including women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, racialized communities (including Black Canadians) and 2SLGBTQI+.
First-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades will get the hands-on experience and training in order to become certified journeypersons in the Red Seal trades as a result of connecting with these job opportunities. 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. To help Canadians facing barriers to a career in the skilled trades, the incentives are doubled for SMEs who hire from equity-deserving groups.
The announcement builds on the 15 Apprenticeship Service projects announced since May 2022.
“Canada needs more skilled trades workers. We need to help more people become welders, bricklayers, electricians and other Red Seal Trade workers. That’s why the Apprenticeship Service program is so critical. It’s helping thousands of Canadians seize these great job opportunities, and it’s making sure businesses have the skilled workers they need to thrive,” says Carla, Qualtrough Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
“One of the keys to Canada’s economic recovery is to tackle the labour shortage and find ways to increase the number of Canadians working in the skilled trades. Our government’s funding of the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation project will help more people in Southwestern Manitoba, pursue careers in high-demand and well-paying trades found predominantly in the construction and manufacturing sectors,” says Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for PrairiesCan and CanNor.
