QUEBEC CITY — The federal government has announced funding of $42 million to support Quebec apprentices through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.
The government is providing $39.4 million over five years, beginning in 2023-24, to the Government of Quebec through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program. The funds will be allocated to organizations including professional and technical training institutions, Indigenous and not-for-profit organizations and private-sector employer groups to modernize training equipment and materials, stated a release.
Between 2,000 and 5,000 Red Seal apprentices, including individuals from underrepresented groups, are expected to benefit from the funding each year in Quebec.
Minister of Employment and Workforce Development Randy Boissonnault also highlighted two allocations for a total of $3.5 million to two unions for projects under the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative.
Funding of $940,000 to the Centrale des syndicats democratiques aims to reduce barriers and increase access to Red Seal trades in Quebec by supporting learning activities such as information workshops across schools and facilitating mentoring.
Further spending of $2.5 million provided to the Syndicat quebecois de la construction is helping the organization partner with recruiting firms to hire women apprentices, provide career development training and wraparound supports to encourage retention.
Boissonnault made the announcement in Quebec City where he met union administrators and apprentices. The minister was in Quebec City to address the Skills Canada National Competition.
“A robust skilled trades workforce is key to building a better Canada for all,” stated Boissonnault. “By supporting Quebec apprentices to enter and grow in high demand careers we can improve the housing supply and reduce barriers to participation for under-represented groups.”
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