OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Government of Canada is responding to a rapidly changing global economy and evolving trade relationships by focusing on what it can control. Through the Team Canada Strong initiative, it is building a stronger, more resilient country by investing in the people, skills and industries that will drive Canada's future prosperity. Key to this is ensuring the next generation of workers has access to high-quality training and clear pathways into the skilled trades.

Today, the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), invited applications from organizations looking to expand training capacity, as well as improve access to and quality of apprenticeship training and support their skilled trades through the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP). This investment represents more than $430 million into UTIP over the next five years. Specifically, organizations seeking support to:

• Expand training infrastructure through UTIP Infrastructure Expansion can submit an Expression of Interest by November 12 for projects that could be launched in Spring 2027;
• Introduce innovative approaches to attract and recruit new pre-apprentices, support apprentices in progressing toward certification, and help journeypersons enhance their skills through UTIP Innovation, can submit an application through a Call for Proposals by December 17; and,
• Purchase training equipment can apply through an open-ended Call for Proposals called Investment in Training Equipment at any time. To help eligible organizations manage rising equipment and material costs, today's announcement introduces a temporary increase to the maximum contribution rate for training equipment purchases from 50% to 70%.

Detailed eligibility and application requirements for the three intake processes listed above for infrastructure, innovation and equipment projects are available at Union Training and Innovation Program - Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy - Canada.ca

By investing in young people and skilled trades training, the Government of Canada is helping build the workforce needed for Canada's future. Together, these measures will create opportunities for more Canadians to enter and succeed in the skilled trades while helping build homes, strengthen critical infrastructure and support major economic and defence projects.

Quotes

"Canada has big ambitions. We need to build more homes, infrastructure, and major projects that will drive our economy forward. To get there, we need skilled workers. That's why we're investing in apprenticeship training facilities, modern equipment, and new approaches to training - giving more Canadians the opportunity to learn a trade, develop their skills, and build Canada's future."

 - The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

"Our government is preparing Canada's workforce for tomorrow's opportunities. By investing in training infrastructure, innovative apprenticeship supports and modern equipment, we are helping more Canadians enter and succeed in the skilled trades. These investments will strengthen our workforce, create career opportunities for young people, support economic growth and reinforce our commitment to building Team Canada Strong."

 - Bruce Fanjoy, Member of Parliament for Carleton

"Today's announcement for capital funding to expand or renovate training centres is a significant and welcome investment in Canada's unionized skilled trades. From the beginning, Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU) has been clear in calling for specific brick and mortar funding so our training centres can grow to meet Canada's evolving workforce demands. This new funding will help our 14 affiliates representing 500,000 unionized skilled tradespeople across 200 training centres expand, modernize, and train the workforce our country needs to build Canada strong."

 - Sean Strickland, Executive Director, Canada's Building Trades Union

"The need to modernize and expand our training infrastructure has been recognized across the industry. UTIP investments in renovating, expanding and building training centres will help Ironworkers prepare for future workforce demands. Training is at the heart of building a skilled workforce and building Canada."

 - Colin Daniels, General Vice President, International Ironworkers

Quick facts 

• The Government of Canada is investing $197.2 million over five years in training infrastructure to support capital infrastructure projects.
• The investment for UTIP Innovation approaches to improving training access totals $135 million over five years.
• The Government of Canada investment in training is $100 million over five years.
• In addition to the $8 billion Team Canada Strong investment, the Government of Canada provides nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship supports through loans, project funding, tax credits and deductions, Employment Insurance benefits, and support for the Red Seal Program.
• Since 2017, the Union Training and Innovation Program has supported nearly 220,000 participants, including approximately 45,500 participants in 2025–26. The government intends to keep that number steadily growing.
• Between 2024 and 2033, Canada will have more than 1.4 million job openings in the skilled trades, to build homes, expand transit and develop energy infrastructure across the country.
• Canada.ca/skilled-trades provides information on careers in the skilled trades, including training pathways and financial supports available to apprentices.  

Associated links

• About the Union Training and Innovation Program
• Backgrounder: Union Training and Innovation Program
• Minister Hajdu outlines progress in implementing Team Canada Strong to recruit, train, and hire the next generation of skilled trades workers
• Government of Canada announces new $2-billion funding for provinces and territories under Team Canada Strong - Canada.ca
• Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy - Investments in Training Equipment - Funding program - Canada.ca
• Spring Economic Update 2026
• Canada.ca/skilled-trades

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada