Ontario Construction News staff writer
The federal government has shared new information regarding its Team Canada Strong skilled-trades program, detailing timelines designed to attract more young individuals into the trades while also supporting apprentices and employers.
Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu mentioned that the first programs will launch this fall, with additional measures expected to roll out in 2027.
One initiative, Team Canada Strong Youth Placements, is currently seeking expressions of interest from organizations that help connect young Canadians with paid opportunities in skilled trades.
Starting in early 2027, the program aims to offer paid placements lasting up to four months, providing young people with practical experience and a chance to explore careers in the trades.
The federal government has allocated $880 million over five years for this program. Organizations have until Oct. 23 to submit their expressions of interest.
Hajdu also updated on a $5,000 completion bonus for apprentices who finish their training and obtain certification in an eligible Red Seal trade as recognized by their province or territory.
Applications are anticipated to open later this fall, and the bonus will also apply to those who achieve their certification on or after April 1, 2025.
The Build Canada Apprenticeship Service is expected to be introduced later this fall. This service will assist apprentices in connecting with small and medium-sized employers, who can receive up to $10,000 when hiring a first-year apprentice in an eligible Red Seal trade.
This service will also aim to support apprentices in overcoming obstacles so they can complete their training successfully.
An additional initiative called the Apprenticeship Training Grant is set to start in spring 2027. It will provide eligible apprentices attending mandatory technical training with a $400 weekly top-up on Employment Insurance benefits.
The grant will cover qualifying weeks of technical training beginning Jan. 3, 2027.
The federal government is also negotiating new bilateral agreements with provinces and territories that would allocate $2 billion in federal funding aimed at enhancing access to pre-apprenticeship and technical training opportunities.
This funding is part of the government’s $8-billion Team Canada Strong initiative intended to create more training and apprenticeship options for young individuals entering skilled trades.
This update comes as projections indicate over 1.4 million job openings within skilled trades between 2024 and 2033. These workers will be needed for various projects including housing, transit systems, and energy infrastructure development.
“Young people want the opportunity to contribute and be part of building a stronger Canada for future generations,” Hajdu said. “By helping more young Canadians pursue careers in skilled trades, we are opening the door to meaningful work that will help build the homes, infrastructure and major projects Canada needs.”
The federal government states it currently provides nearly $1 billion each year in apprenticeship support through loans, project funding, tax credits and deductions, Employment Insurance benefits as well as through the Red Seal Program.
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