Closed
Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS) - Union Training and Innovation (UTIP))
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Canada
Supports union-led training innovation for skilled Red Seal trades
Partnering and Collaboration
Grant and Funding
Overview
The Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) provides up to $25 million annually to support union-led projects that enhance apprenticeship training and promote innovation in Red Seal trades across Canada. Eligible activities include the purchase of training equipment and materials, as well as developing innovative solutions and partnerships to improve workforce quality and inclusivity, especially for underrepresented groups.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increasing community impact
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Reduce the ecological footprint
Eligible Funding
- No Condition
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
- Unions
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- National
Activities funded
- Acquisition of training equipment and materials for Red Seal trades.
- Implementation of innovative projects to address apprenticeship challenges.
- Development of partnerships between unions and other organizations to enhance apprenticeship training.
- Initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in the skilled trades.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 280,000
Upgrading welding simulators to modernize apprenticeship instruction
$ 273,000
Creating a mobile carpentry training lab for remote communities
$ 200,000
Developing green HVAC training kits for environmental apprenticeships
$ 170,000
Expanding digital tools for electrical apprentice remote learning
$ 211,000
Innovative partnerships for sheet metal apprenticeship with women outreach
$ 150,000
Purchasing inclusive plumbing training setups for diverse apprentices
Eligibility
- The project must be led or involve a union.
- The training or initiative must target Red Seal trades.
- Projects should focus on either purchasing training equipment/materials or implementing innovative approaches to address apprenticeship challenges.
- Partnerships between organizations are encouraged, with required union participation.
Who is eligible?
- Union-led organizations involved in Red Seal trades
Who is not eligible
- Projects that are not union-led or do not involve union participation cannot apply.
Eligible expenses
- Purchase of equipment needed to train workers in the Red Seal trades.
- Purchase of materials required for workforce training in the Red Seal trades.
Eligible geographic areas
- All provinces and territories across Canada
How to apply
1
Confirm project eligibility
- Review the eligibility criteria for both funding streams
- Identify if your project aligns with Red Seal trade training or innovation priorities
- Ensure union involvement in your project proposal
2
Collect required information
- Gather information on equipment, training needs, or innovative approaches
- Build partnerships as required by the program
- Collect supporting documents such as evidence of union leadership or involvement
3
Complete the application form
- Prepare a detailed application that clearly states objectives, expected outcomes, and alignment with program goals
- Include focus on target groups such as women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, or visible minorities as applicable
- Ensure completeness of all required forms and documents
4
Submit your application
- Submit the application through the specified government portal or to the designated contact
- Confirm receipt of submission from the program
Additional information
- The program is administered by Employment and Social Development Canada.
- The objective is to improve both the quality of training and workforce inclusivity in the skilled trades sector across Canada.
- The program targets increased participation from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities.
- The information provided was last updated on July 17, 2024.
