Federal government launches call for proposals regarding sustainable jobs training
by CM Staff
Through this investment, tradespeople are meant to keep pace with the job skills that are in high demand, as industries shift to low-carbon alternatives, and global partners seek to buy Canadian clean technologies.
GATINEAU — On Jun. 21, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, alongside Ministers Wilkinson and O’Regan, launched a call for proposals under the new Sustainable Jobs Stream of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). An investment of over $95 million over five years will try to help unions and their partners provide green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices and journeypersons. This call for proposals will be open until September 5, 2024.
As part of this funding, a separate agreement with the Government of Quebec will support the Province in implementing a program that accounts for the unique features of Quebec’s apprenticeship system. The activities funded in Quebec will align with those delivered elsewhere in Canada.
Through this investment, tradespeople are meant to keep pace with the job skills that are in high demand, as industries shift to low-carbon alternatives, and global partners seek to buy Canadian clean technologies. This call for proposals complements the investment in the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund, which is trying to support workers in upgrading or gaining new skills for jobs in the low-carbon economy.
The UTIP Sustainable Jobs Stream is part of a new focus under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy to respond to the skilled trades workforce’s most pressing needs, including addressing barriers to successful entry, supporting progression and completion of apprenticeship, addressing the housing crisis, and increasing net-zero construction to unlock Canada’s economic potential.
To help address the growing need for skilled trades workers, Budget 2024 announced the Government’s intention to deliver a $90 million investment for the Apprenticeship Service to support small and medium-sized employers in creating placements for apprentices and $10 million for the Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program to encourage Canadians to explore and prepare for careers in the skilled trades.
“Skilled tradespeople carry out crucial work to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in the Sustainable Jobs Stream will help thousands of workers across Canada develop the skills needed for green jobs – meaning more work for Canadians and a lower carbon footprint for the country,” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault.
“Canadian workers and industries are seizing economic opportunities as we build thriving low-carbon industries and more sustainable communities. This call for proposals under the Union Training and Innovation Program will contribute to Canada’s Sustainable Jobs plan while equipping more Canadian tradespeople with the skills and supports they need to build a more prosperous and sustainable future for Canada,” said Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson.
