October 15, 2026 Ottawa, Ontario Employment and Social Development Canada
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.
