ESDC — Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative
Canada
Money for projects that support women in apprenticeship
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 12, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateDecember 01, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
Your organization could receive up to $3 million for projects up to 48 months in duration that will recruit, retain and help women apprentices succeed in 1 of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
grant_single_labels|projects
This funding opportunity is open to eligible organizations located and operating in any province or territory across Canada. There are no specific geographical restrictions beyond national boundaries.
- Organizations located in any of the Canadian provinces or territories.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$600,000
Vancouver
Developing mentorship programs for female electricians
$450,000
Toronto
Creating women-led events to engage female apprentices in plumbing trade
$500,000
Winnipeg
Organizing mentorship networks for female welders
$750,000
Calgary
Providing wrap-around supports for female heavy-duty equipment technicians
$350,000
Halifax
Creating partnerships to promote women in carpentry trade
$650,000
Montreal
Creating a safe, welcoming workplace for female automotive service technicians
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To apply for the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, your organization must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Your organization must be located in Canada.
- Eligible types of organizations include:
- Union representing workers in Red Seal trades or an organization managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers, such as a joint training fund set up by a union and an employer association.
- Not-for-profit organization.
- For-profit organization, provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial, not intended to generate profit, and supports program priorities and objectives.
- Municipal government.
- Indigenous organization, including band council, tribal council, or Self-government entity.
- Provincial and territorial government, including agency, institution, or Crown corporation.
- Organizations located in Quebec are subject to specific provincial requirements and must obtain approval from the Government of Quebec if their project is accepted.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is open to organizations located in Canada which fall under specific categories including unions representing workers in Red Seal trades, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations with non-commercial objectives, municipal governments, and Indigenous organizations. Provincial and territorial governments, including agencies, institutions, and Crown corporations, are also eligible. Projects must support women apprentices in the 39 eligible Red Seal trades, with contributions from sources other than Employment and Social Development Canada required.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific types of companies that are not eligible for this grant. They must be located in Canada and fall under one of the following types:
- Union representing workers in Red Seal trades or an organization managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers
- Not-for-profit organization
- For-profit organization (provided that the nature and intent of the activity is non-commercial)
- Municipal government
- Indigenous organization (band council, tribal council, or Self-government entity)
- Provincial and territorial government (agency, institution, or Crown corporation)
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The eligible projects focus on empowering women in skilled trades through various supportive and inclusive activities. These initiatives aim to enhance recruitment, retention, and success for women apprentices in the trades industry.
- Organizing women-led events to engage and attract women to the skilled trades.
- Creating partnerships with community colleges, women's groups, unions, and employers to promote opportunities in the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
- Providing mentorship and role models through women-in-trades networks and showcasing success stories.
- Establishing safe and welcoming work and training environments for women apprentices.
- Offering wrap-around supports such as guidance, tutoring, childcare support, and flexible childcare arrangements.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the support and success of women apprentices in Red Seal trades.
- Costs associated with organizing women-led outreach events.
- Expenses related to creating partnerships with women’s groups, community colleges, unions, or employers.
- Funds for supporting mentorship programs led by female role models.
- Expenditures for creating a safe and welcoming workplace environment for women.
- Provision of wrap-around supports, including guidance, tutoring, childcare support, and flexible childcare arrangements.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative are based on specific criteria that align with the initiative's goals to support women apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.
- Project objectives: Clarity on how the project aims to recruit, retain, and help women apprentices succeed in at least one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
- Project activities, timelines, and feasibility: Relevant description of project activities with specific, detailed, and realistic timelines and milestones.
- Project impact and results: Demonstration of how the funding will improve the recruitment, retention, and success of women apprentices, along with plans to collect, measure, and report results.
- Project cost: Clear justification for the use of funds, ensuring costs are reasonable, detailed, and in support of project activities.
- Additional funding priorities: Preference may be given to projects supporting women in various Canadian regions, contributing to the goal of supporting 10,900 women between specified years, or submitted by organizations with at least five years of relevant experience.
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative grant:
- Step 1: Read the Applicant Guide
- Review the guide thoroughly to understand the application questions and requirements.
- Step 2: Gather Supporting Documents and Information
- Complete the Application for Funding form.
- Fill out the Budget Detail Template.
- Step 3: Decide How to Apply
- Apply Online using Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS):
- Register for a GCOS account if your organization has a CRA business number.
- Upload the completed budget template in GCOS.
- Apply by Email or Mail:
- Download and complete the necessary forms in PDF.
- Submit the application package to the designated email or mailing address.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- Participants in Quebec need Government of Quebec approval in addition to ESDC approval.
- Only one application per organization is allowed under this funding process.
- Information sessions were held to assist applicants, highlighting the significance of staying informed on procedures.
- Priority may be given based on geographic coverage and official language requirements.
- The first payment will be issued within 14 calendar days of signing the agreement, indicating prompt financial release after acceptance.
Apply to this program
Empowering Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative
The Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative, part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy by Employment and Social Development Canada, is designed to enhance the recruitment, retention, and success of women apprentices in 39 eligible Red Seal trades predominantly found in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This grant supports eligible organizations with up to $3 million for projects that create supportive environments to encourage women's participation and success in these trades over a period of up to 48 months.
Detailed Insights into the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative
The Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative stands as a pivotal component of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, which was initiated in 2019 to nurture talent within the nation's skilled trades sector. This initiative primarily targets increasing the representation and success of women within 39 Red Seal trades, such as carpentry, welding, and plumbing, among others, which are key to Canada's economic infrastructure. By promoting women's involvement, the program aims not only to diversify the workforce but also to address gender imbalances and create a more inclusive working environment in the skilled trades sector.
Participating organizations, which may include unions, non-profit entities, for-profit organizations with non-commercial goals, and various government bodies, can apply for substantial funding of up to $3 million. This funding supports projects focused on establishing partnerships with women's groups, educational institutions, and employers; organizing events led by women to inspire participation; and developing mentorship opportunities with successful female role models in the industry. These activities are crucial for creating welcoming spaces where women feel safe and supported, essential for thriving in what are traditionally male-dominated trades.
A significant emphasis is placed on collaboration and community involvement, where projects are encouraged to form strategic partnerships that extend their reach and impact. The initiative also underscores the importance of mentorship from seasoned female professionals, providing apprentices with role models and a network of support. These mentorship programs are designed not only to guide but also to inspire confidence and perseverance among new entrants.
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by tradeswomen—such as work-life balance, safety concerns, and the need for flexible work arrangements—this initiative also highlights the need to provide wrap-around support services. These may include flexible childcare, tutoring, and guidance services that help women manage their other responsibilities while pursuing their training and career paths.
Furthermore, the grant stipulates the necessity of cash or in-kind contributions to ensure that participating projects have a committed and sustained support base, enhancing their potential for success. This requirement promotes an environment of shared responsibility and resourcefulness among involved parties, ultimately benefiting the broader initiative's goals.
With projects expected to commence in the summer of 2023, successful applicants will play a vital role in supporting up to approximately 10,900 women over the funding period from 2023 to 2027. This large-scale involvement underscores the initiative's depth and dedication to making a significant and lasting impact on women's participation in skilled trades across Canada. The diverse and geographic-focused approach ensures that women from various regions, including those facing infrastructural and partnership challenges, can access these opportunities.
The Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative is not only a commitment to empowering women in the workforce but also a comprehensive effort to boost Canada's skilled trade sectors by tapping into the potential of a broader talent pool. By investing in such initiatives, Canada stands to not only elevate women's roles in critical industries but also to foster economic growth, innovation, and sustainability across its trade sectors.
