TERRACE, B.C. – The Government of Canada today announced an investment of nearly $20 million to train over 8,000 skilled trades workers across the country, a measure designed to meet critical labour shortages and support the national goals of building major infrastructure and accelerating housing construction.
The funding, announced by Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli, is being allocated to two major union organizations—the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America and the Carpenters’ Regional Council—through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP).
“In order to build major infrastructure and create high-paying careers for Canadians, the Government of Canada is investing in skilled trades training,” said the Honourable John Zerucelli. “We are building Canada Strong, and we are doing it here at home.”
Training for the New Economy
The projects focus on equipping journeypersons and apprentices with advanced and sustainable skills, which is directly relevant to industrial hubs like the Skeena region:
- Virtual Reality for Industrial Mechanics: The United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America will use federal funding to deliver virtual reality (VR) training on rigging and hoisting to over 4,000 Millwrights across Canada. This VR training is essential for improving safety and efficiency in complex industrial settings (such as major resource or LNG projects).
- Green Technology for Carpenters: The Carpenters’ Regional Council will use the funds to provide training to 4,000 carpenters in the skills required to work with new and emerging green technologies, including installing and maintaining protective exterior layers that seal and protect buildings for energy efficiency.
Addressing the National Shortage
This investment is part of the Government’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy and addresses a critical national deficit. Estimates show that by 2033, there will be more than 410,000 job openings for skilled trades in the construction sector alone.
The funding directly supports the government’s goal of doubling the pace of housing construction to 500,000 units per year. The UTIP is scheduled for a $75 million expansion over three years, which will further boost union-based apprenticeship training in the Red Seal trades.
The UTIP Sustainable Jobs stream, which funds these projects, is expected to support approximately 29,000 workers in the Red Seal trades over the next five years, ensuring Canada’s workforce is ready to lead the way in sustainable construction.
1 Comment
test