The federal government is providing more than $2.1 million in additional funding to expand skilled trades training opportunities for young people, with a strong focus on helping Alberta build the workforce needed for housing, infrastructure and other major projects.
Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli announced the funding Aug. 12 for The Educational Partnership Foundation’s Trades Careers program.
The additional money will be provided over the next year and brings the total federal investment in the project to nearly $5.7 million.
More training opportunities for young Albertans
The Educational Partnership Foundation works with union partners to help young people develop skills, gain work experience and pursue apprenticeship certification in Red Seal trades through a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
The program also operates in British Columbia, but federal officials highlighted the growing demand for skilled workers in Alberta and the role tradespeople play in supporting the province’s economy.
“This funding will help more young Albertans gain the training, experience and credentials they need to build rewarding careers,” Calgary Confederation MP Corey Hogan said.
He said the investment is also intended to strengthen the workforce needed to build new homes and infrastructure and support economic growth.
Related Stories:
More than 1,000 young people expected to benefit
The federal government says the expanded program will help more than 1,000 young Canadians access apprenticeship training and certification opportunities.
Zerucelli said the investment is aimed at preparing the next generation of trades workers while giving young people clearer pathways into skilled careers.
“This investment will help more than 1,000 young Canadians in our communities gain skills, apprenticeship training and certification opportunities,” he said.
The funding is being delivered through the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Innovation in Apprenticeship stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy.
Skilled trades demand expected to grow
Ottawa says demand for skilled trades workers will continue to rise as Canada builds more housing, transportation infrastructure and energy projects.
The federal government estimates more than 1.4 million new trades workers will be needed across the country by 2033.
The 2026 Spring Economic Update included $6 billion over five years for the Team Canada Strong strategy, which aims to recruit, train and hire between 80,000 and 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2033.
An additional $2 billion has also been announced for agreements with provinces and territories to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and technical training.
Program aimed at reducing youth unemployment
The Educational Partnership Foundation says the funding will help more young people discover careers in the trades while helping address labour shortages.
Foundation president and CEO Barb Simic said the investment can also help reduce youth unemployment while strengthening the skilled workforce.
Since 2017, the federal Union Training and Innovation Program has supported more than 173,000 participants.
Ottawa says it is also investing another $225 million to expand the program and help union-run training centres improve facilities, increase capacity and purchase modern equipment.