Ottawa announces $20M for skilled trades training to support housing and infrastructure goals

The funding will support training initiatives through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America and the Carpenters’ Regional Council, with a focus on preparing workers for emerging technologies and sustainable construction methods.

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiners of America will deliver virtual-reality rigging and hoisting training to more than 4,000 journeyperson and apprentice industrial mechanics (millwrights) across the country.

The Carpenters’ Regional Council will create access to 10 training hubs nationwide to train another 4,000 carpenters in new green-building installation and maintenance techniques.

The investment comes through the Union Training and Innovation Program’s Sustainable Jobs stream under the federal Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, complementing the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund supporting workers transitioning into the clean economy.

Budget 2025 also proposes an additional $75 million over three years to further expand union-based apprenticeship training in Red Seal trades.

“In order to build major infrastructure and create high-paying careers for Canadians, the Government of Canada is investing in skilled trades training. We are building Canada strong, and we are doing it here at home,” Zerucelli said.

Jason Rowe, district vice-president of the UBC Canadian District, said the funding will help workers meet growing demand for sustainable construction methods.

“Through the UBC Sustainable Jobs Mass Timber Project, we’re ensuring Canada’s workers have the training needed to build infrastructure and housing quickly and sustainably with mass timber construction,” Rowe said.

The government has emphasised skilled labour shortages as a key barrier to meeting Canada’s housing and infrastructure goals and says expanding access to training is critical to supporting economic growth.