Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development, and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough announced today at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) 2022 National Apprenticeship Conference to announce the launch of the new, federal Apprenticeship Service, Canada’s investment of approximately $247 million in 13 projects to enable small and medium-sized employers (SMEs) to offer apprenticeship training opportunities.
“About 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire in Canada by 2028…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 Carla Qualtrough in a news release.
As part of the announcement, funding of over $45 million to the CAF for a project to provide financial support to SMEs to hire 4,000 first-year Red Seal apprentices in the construction and manufacturing trade was highlighted by Qualtrough.
Other highlights of her address included the critical role of Canada’s apprenticeship systems to support Canada’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, Budget 2022 investments in support of the trades, ensuring equal opportunities for women, Indigenous youth, racialized Canadians, newcomers, and persons with disabilities to build successful careers in the trades.
Being the center of Canada’s economic recovery, the skilled trades in industries, smart investments are needed to support Canadians from all backgrounds in taking up apprenticeship training now, and kick-starting lucrative careers in well-respected skilled trades.
First-year apprentices to eligible Red Seal trades, over the next two years, will be provided with requisite hands-on experience and training towards becoming certified in the Red Seal trades by facilitating connectons with opportunities at these employers.
The funded organizations will distribute financial incentives under the Apprenticeship Service, to SMEs, and help in navigating the apprenticeship system, onboarding apprentices, and creating welcoming and inclusive workplaces.
The incentives for the marginalized Canadians such as women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, and racialized people, are doubled for SMEs who hire from equity-deserving groups.
“The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum…understands the importance of encouraging and supporting employers to hire new apprentices. Through this investment, we will work with our partners at BuildForce Canada, SkillPlan, ApprenticeSearch.com, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board and the Canadian Construction Association…training tomorrow’s skilled trades workforce, said France Daviault, Executive Director of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum in the news release.
Speaking at the CAF conference, Qualtrough underscored the importance… of all levels of government, industry, employers, Indigenous communities and unions is crucial to enhance Canada’s apprenticeship system and build a strong and resilient trades workforce.
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