Call for Proposals for Investments in the Training Equipment Stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program launched today Français
Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support apprentices in completing their training
GATINEAU, QC, July 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada's changing economy and investments in infrastructure make skills training critical to our future. Union‑based skills training is a key element to achieving the Government's commitment to get more people working in the skilled trades.
That is why today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, announced the launch of the Call for Proposals for Investments in the Training Equipment Stream (Stream 1) of the Union Training and Innovation Program and encouraged Red Seal trade unions and training trust funds representing workers in the Red Seal trades to apply for funding.
Through the Investments in the Training Equipment Stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program, successful applicants will receive financial support to purchase up-to-date training equipment and materials so trades workers can get the skills they need on the job. Working with unions to advance skills training reflects that the Government is committed to getting more people working in the skilled trades, including supporting such key groups as women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities and racialized persons.
To further support key groups so they can succeed in the skilled trades, the Government of Canada announced three new initiatives in Budget 2018: a Pre-Apprenticeship Program, an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women and the Women in Construction Fund.
Together, these initiatives will support Canadians so they can find good jobs, have fulfilling careers and contribute to making Canada's economy more prosperous for everyone.
Quote
"Making sure every Canadian has an equal and fair chance at success is not just the right thing to do, it's the smart thing to do. That's why our government is supporting unions to help the next generation of tradespeople and apprentices, especially those who face barriers to enter the trades, get the skills and training they need to succeed and build better futures for themselves."
– The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Quick Facts
- The Call for Proposals will remain open for eight weeks, with a closing date of September 17, 2018.
- The Government of Canada is investing approximately $8.5 million in this call for proposals.
- The Union Training and Innovation Program was launched last year with approximately $10 million for the first year and $25 million annually.
- Since the inception of the Canada Apprentice Loan in January 2015, more than 58,000 loans totalling over $224 million have been provided to apprentices.
- Since the introduction of the apprenticeship grants, over 779,300 grants have been provided to apprentices. This includes close to 558,400 Apprenticeship Incentive Grants and almost 220,900 Apprenticeship Completion Grants and represents more than $1 billion in funding.
Associated Links
Investments in Training Equipment Call for Proposals
Support for Apprentices
Backgrounder
The Union Training and Innovation Program targets the Red Seal trades and involves broad-based partnerships with a number of stakeholders. The Program:
- helps to improve the quality of union-based training through investments in equipment;
- supports innovative approaches and partnerships with other stakeholders; and
- reduces barriers to participation and success in the trades for key groups including women and Indigenous people.
The Program, which has two streams, is open to all unions, including those that do not provide training recognized by provinces and territories as technical apprenticeship training, and those that do not operate training facilities.
Stream 1 funds cost-shared purchases of training equipment and materials. Continuous technological change puts pressure on training providers to ensure workers are developing the right skills needed on the job site. Stream 1 helps unions to purchase new and up-to-date training equipment.
Stream 2 focuses on innovative approaches to help address challenges limiting apprenticeship outcomes in Canada, including barriers to participation and success in the trades for key groups such as women and Indigenous people. This stream is open to a range of stakeholders and partners, but unions need to be involved, either as the lead or as a partner on projects.
The Government of Canada invests significantly in apprenticeship through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits (during in-school training), project funding and support for the Red Seal program. The Government is also working with the provinces and territories to harmonize apprenticeship training requirements in targeted Red Seal trades.
Quebec organizations are not eligible to apply for funding. Discussions with the Government of Quebec are underway to develop an approach that takes into account the unique features of Quebec's apprenticeship system.
SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada
For media enquiries, please contact: Carlene Variyan, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P., Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour, [email protected], 819-654-5611; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]
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