Government of Canada Expands Support for Apprenticeship Training in Skilled Trades.

The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

The Government of Canada is strengthening the country’s skilled trades workforce by expanding support for apprenticeship training and modernising access to training equipment nationwide.

The federal government has doubled its investment in the Union Training and Innovation Program. This enhances union-led training initiatives. It also helps ensure apprentices have the skills needed to succeed in Red Seal trades.

Building on this investment, the government is expanding flexibilities under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Investments in Training Equipment funding stream. The changes make it easier and more affordable for unions and training providers to access modern equipment and materials. These are essential for high-quality apprenticeship training.

“We must meet the needs of Canada’s workforce. Canada is unlocking its full economic potential and the way to get there is through the hard work of those who build – the skilled trades people. We need more apprentices to complete their training so that Canada can advance our key priorities: increasing housing construction, meeting the Defence Industrial Strategy, and building our infrastructure and major projects. We are delivering high-quality training for our workers and by investing in modern and state-of-the-art training equipment and materials, we are laying the foundation for young people to build Canada strong.” – The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

Under the expanded program, eligible costs now include shipping and installation of training equipment. In addition, federal contributions will increase to up to 70 per cent for organisations located in remote or infrastructure-limited areas, helping address regional training challenges.

To ensure that apprenticeship programs remain responsive to labour market needs, the Government of Canada will continue to engage with partners across the skilled trades sector. This work will include gathering feedback from stakeholders—such as interest in addressing renovation needs—to identify further opportunities to strengthen apprenticeship training and keep pace with workforce demand.

The Canadian Apprenticeship Investments in Training Equipment funding stream is currently open for applications. Eligible organisations include unions representing Red Seal trades workers, organisations that manage their own training funds, and training providers that deliver technical training as part of recognised apprenticeship programs or Red Seal trades.

Applications can be submitted by mail, email, or through the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) portal. Creating a GCOS account is a one-time process that enables organisations to apply securely for Employment and Social Development Canada funding opportunities.

With Canada facing growing demand for skilled trades workers to deliver major infrastructure projects and build millions of new homes, these investments form part of the government’s broader response to workforce shortages. Budget 2025 also proposes a $75-million expansion of the Union Training and Innovation Program over three years, further strengthening union-based apprenticeship training nationwide.