Federal Government to Announce Over $350 Million for Skilled Trades Training and Recruitment
Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli is set to announce more than $350 million in funding to train and recruit skilled trades workers, supporting a goal of adding 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal certified workers by 2030-31.
The federal government is preparing to unveil more than $350 million in new funding aimed at training and recruiting skilled trades workers. Secretary of State for Labour John Zerucelli is expected to make the formal announcement on Thursday morning in Metcalfe, Ont., just outside of Ottawa.
The investment supports the "Team Canada Strong" plan, which has set an objective of recruiting, training, and hiring 80,000 to 100,000 new skilled trades workers with Red Seal certification by 2030-31. The initiative is designed to close a national gap of more than 20,000 skilled trades workers per year.
The funding will be distributed through three distinct streams. The first stream will temporarily cover up to 70 per cent of the cost of training equipment for unions and colleges, an increase from the previous rate of 50 per cent. The second stream focuses on infrastructure to help expand or build union-run training centres, targeting shovel-ready projects that are scheduled to begin construction by next spring. This effort aims to increase training capacity across the country.
The third stream supports innovation, including integrating artificial intelligence and launching new initiatives to recruit apprentices and support them in progressing toward certification.
This latest funding follows a broader commitment made by the federal government in the 2026 spring economic update, which pledged $6 billion over five years to recruit, train, and hire workers.