Feds commit $7 million for skilled worker training in Windsor
The federal government recently announced more than $7 million in funding for two programs that aim to improve the participation of underrepresented groups in the Red Seal trades.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Randy Boissonnault announced the funding through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy's Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream.
Through the first project, Diversifying the Talent Pipelines for In-demand Red Seal Trades, Build a Dream to Empower Women will receive more than $4 million over two years to help up to 18,000 underrepresented apprentices in Ontario, Alberta and Nova Scotia improve their overall skills and competencies in leadership and team building. Participants will also get support to upgrade their technical skills through hands-on experience. In collaboration with unions and employers, the organization will help participants find work placements in the Red Seal trades.
As part of the second project, Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc. (WEST) will receive more than $3 million over four years for their SMART for Women project to help up to 400 unrepresented apprentices to progress and succeed in their apprenticeships. WEST will provide math refresher courses; assist participants to enroll in technical training courses offered by trades schools and training providers; and provide participants with wrap-around supports, such as childcare and financial support, so they can complete their apprenticeship training successfully and pursue in-demand jobs.
"Investing in training and opportunities for Canadian workers is how we fill critical labour gaps across Canada,” Boissonnault said. “Build a Dream to Empower Women and Women's Enterprise Skills Training of Windsor Inc are doing this work on the ground and directly supporting the future of Windsor's workforce. This $7.3 million investment will strengthen our workforce and grow our economy, and support middle class jobs for the people of Windsor."
The Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS) is a funding program that supports skilled trades workers and employers. It provides funding to help apprentices, employers, unions, and other organizations participate in apprenticeship.
Under the Innovation in Apprenticeship stream of the CAS Union Training and Innovation Program, the Government of Canada is investing up to $55 million over five years to address challenges that are limiting equity deserving groups from succeeding in an apprenticeship.
The two projects being announced result from a call for proposals launched in October 2022.