Canada allocates $430M for skilled trades training and equipment

The Canadian federal government has announced $430 million in funding over the next five years to support skilled trades training. The investment aims to help unions train a new generation of workers to support national infrastructure, housing, and economic projects.

Managed through an expansion of the Union Training and Innovation Program, the funding includes three primary streams. One stream provides capital for expanding training facilities and infrastructure, with expressions of interest due by November 12. A second stream assists with equipment costs, with the government temporarily increasing its coverage from 50 per cent to 70 per cent. A third stream supports innovative methods for recruiting and retaining trainees.

Specific opportunities within the Innovation stream offer up to $5,000,000 per fiscal year per project, with a maximum of $25,000,000 over 60 months. This particular funding targets Red Seal trades and is available to unions, not-for-profit organizations, and various government agencies operating in Canada, excluding Quebec. Applications for the innovation stream are open until December 17, 2026.