Feds invest $40 million in UTIP
The federal government announced on July 3 that it will invest $40 million over three years in the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), and has launched two calls for proposals to help more apprentices receive skilled trades training.
Under the calls, union organizations can apply for funding via two streams. The first—the Investments in Training Equipment Stream—helps unions purchase training equipment. The second—the Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream—supports innovation and broad-based partnerships to address challenges that limit apprenticeship outcomes.
Any union may apply for funding under either stream, regardless of whether they provide training recognized by their respective provincial or territorial government or whether they operate training facilities.
In order to support institutions as they continue to look at alternative delivery methods for future training, the government says it will encourage projects that allow apprentices and organizations to continue their training online.
“Skilled tradespeople are a key component of Canada’s workforce,” said federal Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion Carla Qualtrough. “Their work is critical to several essential sectors during the pandemic, and they will continue to support the Canadian economy as it moves towards economic recovery. This investment will help Canadians get the training they need to start exciting and well-paying careers in the trades.”
The UTIP was founded in 2016, and targets training development Red Seal trades. Its objectives are to improve the quality of training through investments in equipment, support innovative approaches and partnerships with other stakeholders, and reduce barriers to participation and success in the trades for key groups including women, newcomers and persons with disabilities.
In 2017–18, more than 3,000 people participated in UTIP stream 1 projects. Of those, 15 percent were Indigenous peoples, 9 percent were women, and 93 percent reported an increase in skills after participation.
“Given the CBTU’s demonstrated and proven-track record of training apprentices, women, Indigenous people, new Canadians and other historically underrepresented people across Canada, the CBTU knows that the continuation of the UTIP grants in assisting in workforce development across Canada will continue training the next generation of Canada’s skilled trade workforce, “ said Sean Strickland, executive director of Canada’s Building Trades Unions. “This much needed funding goes a long way to build life-long careers and most importantly allows the highly skilled graduates to both enter and remain in Canada's middle class.”
The calls for proposals close on August 28.