Federal government announces partnership to create at least 4,000 apprenticeships
by CM Staff
Through this project, first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades will get the hands-on experience and training they need to progress toward becoming certified journeypersons in the Red Seal trades.
GATINEAU — On Oct. 20, Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced more than $53 million to the Native Women’s Association of Canada for the Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, and Gender-Diverse Apprenticeships with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) project. The project will provide financial incentives and a suite of online training and resources to SMEs across Canada to help them participate in the apprenticeship system and create a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for at least 4,000 apprentices.
Through this project, first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades will get the hands-on experience and training they need to progress toward becoming certified journeypersons in the Red Seal trades. 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 and training for SMEs to help improve onboarding processes and the creation of welcoming and inclusive workplaces. The incentives are doubled for SMEs who hire from equity-deserving groups.
“Canada needs more skilled trades workers. We need more women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, racialized Canadians and other traditionally marginalized people to get into the skilled trades. That’s why the Apprenticeship Service program is so critical. It’s helping more and more Canadians seize these great job opportunities, and it’s making sure businesses have the skilled workers they need to thrive,” said Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion.
“As Canada continues its economic recovery from the pandemic, we need to address our labour shortage and find ways to increase the number of Canadians working in the skilled trades. Our government’s funding of the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s project will create an inclusive and supportive environment for Indigenous women, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse apprentices who face gender-based discrimination, so they can pursue a career in the skilled trades and become job-ready,” said Marc Miller, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
