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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 1, 2022
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
- Government of Canada
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|terms_and_conditions
The Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative offers specific funding modalities to enhance financial support and efficient project execution. The financial disbursement is structured to optimize resource allocation and project impact.
- Eligible organizations can apply for up to $3,000,000 for projects lasting up to 48 months.
- Successful projects are expected to commence in summer 2023, with funding dispensed accordingly.
- ESDC reserves the right to partially or wholly fund projects based on available resources and funding priorities.
- Projects must include cash contributions from other sources equaling at least 10% of the total project cost, including ESDC contributions. In-kind contributions are acceptable when specific challenges are demonstrated.
- Initial payments are issued within 14 calendar days following the signing of a mutual agreement, with subsequent payments linked to the receipt of completed claim packages for contribution projects.
grant_single_labels|projects
This initiative aims to enhance the participation and success of women in the skilled trades through supportive and inclusive projects. The eligible activities focus on creating a conducive learning and working environment for women trainees in the Red Seal trades.
- Organizing women-led events as outreach tools to attract women to the skilled trades industry.
- Establishing partnerships with women’s groups, community colleges, unions, or employers to promote the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
- Supporting women’s progression through a Red Seal apprenticeship in at least one of the 39 eligible trades.
- Offering mentorship by female role models and networks, alongside opportunities to share success stories.
- Creating work environments where women apprentices feel comfortable and safe.
- Providing wrap-around supports including guidance, tutoring, and childcare support.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$ 600,000
Developing mentorship programs for female electricians
$ 450,000
Creating women-led events to engage female apprentices in plumbing trade
$ 500,000
Organizing mentorship networks for female welders
$ 750,000
Providing wrap-around supports for female heavy-duty equipment technicians
$ 350,000
Creating partnerships to promote women in carpentry trade
$ 650,000
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
This grant is available to organizations located in Canada that are eligible for the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative. The funding aims to support women apprentices in various trades across Canadian provinces and territories.
- Organizations based in Canada, including indigenous organizations like band councils and tribal councils.
- Entities such as provincial and territorial governments, municipal governments, and Crown corporations.
- Eligible proposals from Quebec may require additional approval from the Government of Quebec.
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.
