Federal government announces support for apprenticeship training opportunities

HALIFAX — On May 30, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough was at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) 2022 National Apprenticeship Conference to announce the launch of the new, federal Apprenticeship Service. The Government of Canada is investing close to $247 million in 13 projects that will enable small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) to offer apprenticeship training opportunities.

Over the next two years, first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades will get the hands-on experience and training they require to progress toward becoming certified in the Red Seal trades as a result of connecting with opportunities at these employers. 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, onboarding apprentices, and creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces. To help marginalized Canadians, the incentives are doubled for SMEs who hire from equity-deserving groups, such as women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people and racialized people. The Government’s investment will reportedly create more than 25,000 new apprenticeship positions across Canada.

As part of the announcement, Minister Qualtrough highlighted funding of over $45 million to the CAF for a project that will provide financial support to SMEs to hire 4,000 first-year Red Seal apprentices in the construction and manufacturing trades. Other highlights of her address to the delegates included: Budget 2022 investments in support of the trades, the need to ensure women, Indigenous youth, racialized Canadians, newcomers and persons with disabilities have equal opportunities to build successful careers in the trades, and the role of Canada’s apprenticeship systems to support Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“About 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire in Canada by 2028. That’s 700,000 good jobs waiting for Canadians. We need Canadians to be able to seize these opportunities, and to have the tools, training and resources they need to thrive. Apprenticeships are one of the best ways to do that.” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough.