CLR Connector Investing In The Future Of Unionized Skilled Trades
Please, be reminded that In The Trades, the program created by Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) provides financial and training incentives for unionized Canadian contractors who hire, onboard, train, and retain skilled trades first-year apprentices.
Contractors can receive $5,000 for new first-year apprentices and $10,000 for onboarding equity-deserving apprentices.
Funding is available for two first-year apprentices for each year of the program:
- June 17, 2022 – March 31, 2023
- April 1, 2023 – March 31, 2024
The In The Trades program is supported through CBTU’s partnership with SkillPlan – a nationally recognized leader in workforce development programming. With over 30 years of experience, SkillPlan provides workforce-developing services and resources to the construction industry, with a focus on identifying foundational skills problems, addressing learning challenges, and delivering industry-specific educational programs to help workers succeed in technical training and on the job.
Another option to access the Apprenticeship Service funding from the Government of Canada, available for B.C. construction employers, is brought by the British Columbia Construction Association (BCCA).
The terms and conditions are the same as with In The Trades. Participating employers will receive $5,000 for hiring or registering any worker. An additional $5,000 will be received if the worker self-reports as a woman, new Canadian, LGBTQ+, Indigenous, a person with a disability, or a visible minority. Employers can receive payments for up to two first-year apprenticeship positions per year during the two years of the drive, for a maximum of $40,000 per employer.
The deadline for the first year, and first 2 employees is March 31, 2023. The second year ends on March 31, 2024.
Employers will have full discretion in how they spend the funds. Some suggestions include hiring bonuses, gear & work apparel, safety equipment, offsetting the cost of sick leave, training, and mentoring, professional development, and raises for field or office staff.
The employers can choose which one of the two available programs they would like to apply to. Both have a deadline on March 31, so make sure that your organization applies as soon as possible to take advantage of the first year of this funding opportunity.
Learn more:
https://buildingtrades.ca/inthetrades/
https://bccassn.com/skilled-workforce/apprenticeship-services/