When young people learn, work and succeed, Canada thrives. That is why the Government of Canada continues to invest in youth, so that they get the education, the experience, and the job opportunities to build a stronger Canada for generations to come.
Today, in advance of World Youth Skills Day, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough, announced more than $27 million over five years for Skills Canada, under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy. This funding supports the organization's project Engaging youth in the skilled trades through competitions and career exploration, which encourages young people to explore careers in the skilled trades and technology.
Through this project, Skills Canada provides hands-on experience to youth and underrepresented groups including women, persons with disabilities, newcomers to Canada, individuals identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, Indigenous people and racialized individuals in the skilled trades and technology. Skills Canada undertakes a number of promotional activities and events including Skills Canada provincial and territorial competitions, national competitions, WorldSkills competitions, and National Skilled Trades and Technology Week.
Each year, the Government of Canada invests nearly $1 billion in apprenticeship supports through grants, loans, tax credits, Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, project funding and support for the Red Seal program. Further to providing supports in the skilled trades, the Government of Canada is helping to increase awareness, through an advertising campaign promoting the skilled trades as a first-choice career option for young people.
Today's announcement, together with other Government of Canada's programs in support of youth, will set young Canadians up for success as they start their careers.
