Quebec City, Quebec — On May 29th, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, announced investments of over $42 million for Quebec apprentices in skilled trades.
According to a press release from the federal government, funding will be provided over five years beginning in the 2023 to 2024 financial period to the Government of Quebec through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Union Training and Innovation program.
This funding will also support investments in modern and up-to-date training equipment and materials as well as supporting innovation and enhanced partnerships to help improve apprenticeship outcomes.
Minister Boissonnault also highlighted two investments for a total of $3.5 million to two unions for projects under the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative, which helps women in Quebec get the apprenticeship training and support needed to enter the skilled trades workforce.
Here, funding will specifically go towards an investment of over $940,000 to the Centrale des syndicats démocratiques (CSD), which aims to reduce barriers and increase access to Red Seal Trades in the province. Funding will also go towards an investment of over $2.5 million to the Syndicat québécois de la construction (SQC) to help hire women apprentices and provide career development.
“A robust skilled trades workforce is key to building a better Canada for all. By supporting Quebec apprentices to enter and grow in high demand careers, we can improve the housing supply and reduce barriers to participation for underrepresented groups. Providing a path for young people to further their passions in the skilled trades is crucial to addressing the challenges of today and fueling the innovations of tomorrow,” said Boissonnault in a released statement.
To see the full announcement, click here.
