The federal government is committing more than $14 million to fund 13 new trades-training projects in the Ottawa region.

The projects are being funded through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) – Investments in Training Equipment stream and the Innovation in Apprenticeship stream.

Those organizations receiving funding include:

• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 586,
• International Union of Operating Engineers Local 793 Training Fund,
• International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Ironworkers Local 765
• Sheet Metal Workers International Association Local 47
• Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology
• Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
• Electricity Human Resources Canada

The projects were part of a larger announcement made by Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault in which the federal government committed more than $74.6 million across 124 projects funded through recent calls for proposals under the UTIP.

Under the Investments in Training Equipment stream, 114 projects from 2022 and 2023 calls for proposals are being directed to help unions and training providers improve the quality of training through the purchase of equipment and materials that meet the latest industry standards or investing in new technology. The remaining 10 projects are being funded under the 2022 UTIP – Innovation in Apprenticeship call for proposals, which support innovative approaches and strengthen partnerships to address apprenticeship challenges in the Red Seal trades.

“We’re investing in the skilled tradespeople who will help build a stronger, more resilient economy,” said Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development. “Through this program, we’re supporting groups like Local 2041 of the Carpenters’ Union in Ottawa, providing workers with cutting-edge tools and hands-on experience to ensure they receive top-quality training.”

Since the start of the program in 2017, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $305 million in grants and contributions funding under UTIP.

A call for proposals under the new UTIP Sustainable Jobs funding Stream was launched on June 20, 2024 to support unions and their partners in leading the development of green training for workers in the trades. The government is making an investment of over $95 million over five years to help unions and their partners provide green training to approximately 20,000 apprentices, journeypersons and other workers.

The call for proposals is open until September 5.