Funding Boost for Quebec Trade Apprenticeships

The Union Training and Innovation Program, or UTIP, is making waves in Canada’s trade workforce scene. This initiative is geared up to enhance skills, inclusivity, and productivity among apprentices in various trades across the country.

Since its launch in 2017, the Government of Canada has poured in almost $305 million into UTIP. This funding helps support union-based apprenticeship training and fosters innovative partnerships, especially in the Red Seal trades.

However, there’s an interesting twist in Quebec. Organizations there can’t apply for UTIP funding because the province’s apprenticeship training is handled through its public school system. This means that unions don’t have a direct role. To adapt to this unique situation, the UTIP runs through a special agreement with the Quebec government.

Under this agreement, Employment and Social Development Canada will provide a hefty $39.4 million over the next five years, starting in 2023–24. This money is expected to benefit between 2,000 and 5,000 Red Seal apprentices annually in Quebec, focusing on individuals from equity-deserving groups.

The UTIP is part of a broader strategy to tackle some of the biggest challenges faced by the skilled trades workforce today. These include removing barriers for newcomers, addressing the housing crisis, and promoting net-zero construction, which can significantly impact Canada’s economic landscape.