The Government of Canada announced a total of more than $13.6 million for five projects from the Greater Toronto Area under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). These five projects are part of a total of 124 projects worth a combined $74.6 million funded through recent calls for proposals under the UTIP.
Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals, 114 projects are helping unions and training providers improve the quality of training through the purchase of equipment and materials that meet the latest industry standards or investing in new technology.
“Canada is home to the smartest minds, the most talented workers and a strong education, training, and employment system. Building on these strengths will help us adapt to a changing global economy and get ahead. By investing in the skilled trades and jobs of the future, we are setting up workers and businesses to take advantage of every opportunity, while creating good jobs for Canadian workers,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault.
Under the Innovation in Apprenticeship stream 2022 call for proposals, 10 projects are supporting unions to recruit and retain apprentices in Red Seal trades, including women, newcomers, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, and racialized individuals, through mentorship, career services, wrap-around supports and job matching.
“We’re doubling down on our efforts to build a workforce that meets the challenges of today and tomorrow. By investing in the skilled trades we’re helping more young Canadians, in particular young diverse Canadians, train for in-demand, good paying jobs, that will drive Canada’s economic growth now and into the future,” said Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities, Kamal Khera.
UTIP is part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s response to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successful entry, addressing the housing crisis, and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada’s economic potential.
“The Toronto Community Benefits Network and our community-labor coalition are pleased to receive sustainable funding from UTIP. This significant support will empower us to expand our role as a community benefits intermediary, offering essential support to apprentices from Black, Indigenous, and equity-deserving groups to successfully navigate the complexities of their apprenticeship journey within an environment of inclusivity and respect,” said Rosemarie Powell, Executive Director, Toronto Community Benefits Network.
Featured image: (Government of Canada)
