July 26, 2022 – At the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) National Apprenticeship Conference, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion—Carla Qualtrough—announced $247 million in funding for employer supports across the country.

Of that, CAF will receive $45 million to administer grants to employers who hire new first-year apprentices in 39 eligible Red Seal trades.

“The federal government’s announcement is a reflection of the critical role of the skilled trades to Canada’s economy,” said France Daviault, CAF executive director. “Apprenticeship remains the best way to develop highly skilled trades professionals, and these incentives will ensure that a broad pool of talent is available to employers with the expertise to train them.”

The financial incentives available to small- and medium-sized employers are $5000 per apprentice per year for a max of two Level 1 apprentices per employer; or $10,000 per apprentice per year for a max of two Level 1 apprentices when the apprentice identifies as being from an under-represented group.

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CAF says it will collaborate with partners at BuildForce Canada, SkillPlan, ApprenticeSearch.com, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board and the Canadian Construction Association to provide a range of supports—in addition to the grants—“to the expert trainers of Canada’s future skilled trades workforce”.