NICKEL BELT – GREATER SUDBURY- In order to help maintain a robust workforce and better position our country for a strong economic recovery, the Government of Canada is investing in the skilled trades to ensure that Canadians have the training they need to access good, well-paying jobs. The Government is making targeted investments, so that key groups facing barriers—like women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians—can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.

Today, Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt, in partnership with colleague MP for Sudbury Paul Lefebvre, on behalf of the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced close to $93,000 to Carpenters Union Local 2486 for a project funded under the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) that will help Canadians to succeed in the skilled trades. The Government of Canada provided funding of $62.3 million over five years for 67 projects to help develop a highly qualified skilled trades workforce and prepare Canadians to fill available jobs as our economy restarts.

The UTIP supports union-based apprenticeship training and works to reduce barriers to participation and success in Red Seal trades. The first stream, Investments in Training Equipment, helps unions across Canada improve the quality of training through investments in equipment and materials. The second stream, Innovation in Apprenticeship, supports innovation and strengthens partnerships to address challenges that are limiting apprenticeship outcomes in Canada.

Funded under Stream 1 of the UTIP, this project will help Carpenters Union Local 2486 purchase a skid steer machine and concrete formwork forms to help train apprentices using the most up-to-date equipment to meet industry needs. Participants will also be able to acquire training in a safe and controlled environment.

In the 2020 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada committed to making historic investments in training and to creating more than 1 million jobs to get Canadians back to work, restoring employment to pre‑pandemic levels. Providing immediate and comprehensive training through initiatives like the UTIP will help achieve these goals.

Quotes

“As we continue to fight COVID-19, our support for workers remains strong. Skilled tradespeople across the country have been critical to essential sectors during this pandemic, and they will continue to be so as Canada moves toward economic recovery. This investment will help Canadians, including Canadians from key groups facing barriers, get the training they need to launch exciting and well-paying careers in the trades.” -  Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough

“Skilled tradespeople are a key component of Canada’s workforce. This investment will help create a pool of qualified tradespeople in the Nickel Belt – Greater Sudbury area ready to take on in-demand jobs during the economic recovery. Our local unions continue to play an important economic development role in our communities and offer our youth opportunities to access good paying jobs.” - Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt

“Today’s $93,000 announcement from the Federal government has enabled Local 2486 to enhance our apprenticeship training and secure vital equipment.  Using the most up-to-date equipment helps Local 2486 apprentices get quality experience and prepare them to meet industry needs.” – Rheal Gelinas, Business Representative Local 2486 Carpenters Union

Quick Facts

• Through the UTIP, the Government of Canada provides $25 million annually to support union-based apprenticeship training, innovation and enhanced partnerships in the Red Seal trades.
• Demand for skilled tradespeople is expected to remain strong as the economy moves toward recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2028, about 700,000 skilled trades workers are also expected to retire. Meeting these demands will require the recruitment and training of thousands of additional skilled workers.
• Young women continue to be less likely to express interest in a career in the skilled trades. According to a survey by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, only 2% of 15-year-old female students indicated they were planning to pursue a career in the skilled trades.
• The Government of Canada invests significantly in apprenticeships 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.

Associated Links

News Release

Union Training and Innovation Program

Support for apprentices

Budget Plan

Speech from the Throne

Fall Economic Statement

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Contact

Kaylie Dudgeon, Special Assistant
Marc G. Serré MP Nickel Belt
[email protected]
705-507-2416