Canada announces $880 million plan for skilled trades placements

The Canadian federal government has announced an $880 million initiative to provide young workers with paid, on-the-job experience in the skilled trades. Starting early next year, the program will offer paid placements lasting up to four months to help young Canadians gain hands-on experience prior to beginning an apprenticeship.

This funding is part of a larger $8 billion allocation established by the Liberal government following the spring economic update to promote skilled trades across the country. The initiative aims to recruit and train a new generation of professionals, including carpenters, electricians, and welders.

Additional measures include a $5,000 bonus for tradespeople who have completed an apprenticeship and earned a Red Seal certification since April 2025. The government also plans to launch a program this fall to assist small- and medium-sized businesses in offering more apprenticeships, alongside plans to increase employment insurance payments for apprentices during their training starting next spring.