News & Events *New Funding* $6 Billion in Federal Support for Skilled Trades | What BC Employers and Apprentices Need to Know

The federal government has announced a major investment in Canada’s skilled trades workforce, and BC employers should take note.

As part of the Spring Economic Update, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled Team Canada Strong, a $6 billion plan over five years to recruit, train, and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2030-31. The announcement was reinforced when the Prime Minister addressed Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) directly, emphasizing the central role of unionized construction in building Canada’s future.

What This Means for BC Employers

The plan includes several measures directly relevant to BC contractors. Through the new Build Canada Apprenticeship Service, employers can receive up to $10,000 toward an apprentice’s first-year salary, along with support to match apprentices to opportunities and navigate the hiring process. Apprentices will receive a $400 per week top-up while attending mandatory in-class technical training, up to $16,000 total, as well as a one-time $5,000 bonus upon completing their Red Seal certification.

Why It Matters

Canada will need more than 1.4 million new tradespeople by 2033. This investment signals that the federal government is serious about building the workforce pipeline needed to deliver on its nation-building agenda, and that BC employers have a role to play in getting there.

CLR will continue to monitor developments as these measures move from announcement to implementation.

Funding

Employer Federal Support:
New: Build Canada Apprenticeship Service (Team Canada Strong): The federal government has announced a new service to help BC employers recruit and retain apprentices. Employers can receive up to $10,000 toward an apprentice’s first-year salary, along with direct support to match apprentices to job opportunities and navigate the hiring and training process. This is part of the broader $6 billion Team Canada Strong plan aimed at training 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2030-31. Learn more. Deadline: Details to be confirmed.

Apprentice National and Federal Support:
New: Federal Skilled Trades Training Supports – Apprenticeship Training Grant & Completion Bonus (Team Canada Strong): The federal government has announced two new financial supports for apprentices. The Apprenticeship Training Grant provides a $400 per week top-up while attending mandatory in-class technical training, up to $16,000 total, paid in addition to Employment Insurance. Apprentices who go on to achieve their Red Seal certification will also receive a one-time $5,000 completion bonus. These supports are part of the $6 billion Team Canada Strong investment. Learn more. Deadline: Details to be confirmed.