The Government of Canada is investing in the skilled trades workforce to strengthen the economy, accelerate housing construction, and support the transition to a green economy. Speaking at a conference with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), announced nearly $10 million for the Western Joint Electrical Training Society to deliver hands-on training for construction electrician apprentices, journeypersons, and other workers. This initiative focuses on closing green skills gaps across Canada’s electrical trades.

Zerucelli also announced over $3 million for the National Electrical Trade Council to train Red Seal powerline technicians in drone technology for powerline maintenance—helping to improve efficiency, safety, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these projects will enable nearly 17,350 workers to gain new or upgraded skills.

Both initiatives are funded through the Sustainable Jobs stream of the Union Training and Innovation Program under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, complementing the Sustainable Jobs Training Fund that supports thousands of workers in adapting to the demands of a net-zero economy.

The investment addresses urgent workforce needs—removing barriers to trade entry, boosting apprenticeship completion, and supporting the government’s goal to double annual housing construction to 500,000 homes. Skilled workers trained in green technologies will be essential to meeting housing targets, advancing low-carbon construction, and powering clean energy projects.

Officials and industry leaders hailed the announcement as transformative, citing benefits such as stronger collaboration between unions and industry, demand-driven and locally relevant training, and the ability to share expertise across Canada. Chris Swick of the National Electrical Trade Council emphasized the program’s role in merging traditional skills with new technologies to meet green targets, while Adrien Livingston of the Western Joint Electrical Training Society highlighted its coast-to-coast impact on closing skill gaps.

This initiative aligns with the Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act and the interim Sustainable Jobs Plan (2023–2025), ensuring trades training is a cornerstone of Canada’s move toward a net-zero future. With nearly $1 billion invested annually in apprenticeship supports—including loans, grants, tax credits, and EI benefits—the federal government is making skilled trades training more affordable and accessible, ensuring Canadian workers are ready for the construction and infrastructure demands of tomorrow.

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