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ACQ — Proud and Competent training program
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Quebec, Canada
Workforce training and development for Quebec’s construction industry
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Overview
The ACQ—Proud and Competent training program provides financial support for workforce skills development in Quebec's construction industry, including custom and turnkey training activities. Through the Program for the Training of Women in Business (PFFE), companies can receive up to $10,000, covering 30% of a female participant's salary, to facilitate the integration and upskilling of women on construction sites.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop employee skills
Eligible Funding
- Up to 100% of project cost
Timeline
- Open continuously
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
Location
- Quebec
Legal structures
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 8 employees minimum
Audience
- Women
Activities funded
- Customized training programs for employees in the construction industry.
- Skill development and upskilling related to new technologies, materials, or work processes in construction.
- Women’s integration and professional development initiatives on construction sites.
- Succession training in site management, including leadership and supervision skills for foremen or superintendents.
- On-site or company-specific practical training sessions tailored to business needs.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 7,900
Succession training for future site superintendents in residential builds
$ 7,700
On-site advanced safety protocol training for sheet metal workers
$ 8,000
Integration program for women apprentices in civil engineering projects
$ 8,700
Hands-on digital tool training for project management staff
$ 9,700
Upskilling employees on green building materials and techniques
$ 7,400
Leadership training for women foremen in commercial renovation
Eligibility
- The company must employ at least two employees, including at least one companion or a worker holding a valid occupation competency certificate.
- For the women's enterprise training program: the company must support the learning of the newly hired woman through the Apprenticeship Training Plan and ensure supervision by the designated companion or mentor.
- The company must participate in the "Integration of Women into a Work Team" awareness training (8 hours).
- If the company has existed for 24 months or less, it must have declared at least 1,500 hours of work to the CCQ in 24 out of the last 26 months; if more than 24 months, at least 4,000 hours declared in the same period.
- The minimum number of participants per training session is 8 employees (possibility to join a consortium of companies to meet this requirement).
Who is eligible?
- Employers in the construction industry in Quebec
- Companies employing construction workers who hold a valid competency certificate
- Construction companies employing two or more employees, including at least one "compagnon" or worker with a competency certificate occupation
Eligible expenses
- Costs for developing training programs.
- Salaries or fees for trainers and resource persons.
- Materials required for training sessions.
- Rental fees for equipment necessary for training.
- Direct and indirect expenses such as travel and accommodation for participants.
- Financial incentives paid to employees participating in training.
Eligible geographic areas
- All regions of Quebec
How to apply
1
Contact an ACQ training agent
- Contact a training promotion agent at ACQ to discuss your company's training needs
- Obtain information about available programs and requirements
2
Develop a training plan
- Work with the promotion agent to plan a customized training plan tailored to your company's needs
- Identify employees and select suitable training modules
3
Prepare required documentation
- Gather required documentation such as participant lists, planned training content, and company eligibility details
- Ensure all eligibility criteria are met, including minimum number of employees and declared work hours, if applicable
4
Submit application to ACQ
- Submit the training plan and supporting documents to ACQ as instructed by your assigned promotion agent
- Request financial support for the training from the fund
5
Wait for application review
- Wait for ACQ to review your application and confirm acceptance or request additional information
Additional information
- Training programs are available in all regions of Quebec.
- Over 500 practice-focused training options are developed annually to align with new technologies and industry practices.
- Custom in-company training may require a minimum of 8 participants, with consortium opportunities to meet this threshold.
- Employees receiving Employment Insurance may participate in full-time training without penalty.
Contacts
garons@acq.org
5143548249
