UBC on receiving end of $9M to help 1,500 construction workers with certification

OTTAWA — The Government of Canada has announced it is investing in 1,500 internationally trained professionals to help them join Canada’s skilled trades workforce.

More than $9 million in funding will go to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Canadian District (UBC).

The investment is being made through the Foreign Credential Recognition (FCR) Program and will support the UBC Bridge to Red Seal project, which helps participants obtain Red Seal certification in trades such as carpentry, welding and industrial mechanics (millwrights) by:

• developing specialized assessment tools to evaluate work experience;
• designing specialized curriculum to bridge gaps in theoretical knowledge and support, language acquisition, specifically focused on safety and technical terms in the trades; and
• assisting workers in navigating provincial trades organizations to gain recognition for their hours and credentials, preparing them to challenge the interprovincial Red Seal exam.

“By supporting internationally trained tradespeople in the FCR process, the Government of Canada is helping to build a diverse and qualified workforce that meets the growing demands of this essential sector,” states a release.