ESDC — Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative

Who is eligible?

• Unions representing workers in eligible Red Seal trades
• Organizations managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers
• Not-for-profit organizations
• For-profit organizations (for non-commercial, non-profit-generating projects supporting program priorities)
• Municipal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments or organizations (including band councils, tribal councils, self-government entities, agencies, institutions, and Crown corporations)

Who is not eligible

• Organizations whose activity is for profit and aims at generating commercial profits that do not support the priorities and objectives of the program.
• Companies wishing to submit multiple applications for the same call for projects (only one application per eligible organization is accepted).
• Organizations proposing project activities already submitted under the Learning Innovation component of the Union Training and Innovation Program (PFIMS).

Eligible expenses

• Costs associated with organizing women-led events.
• Expenses for creating partnerships with women’s groups, community colleges, unions, or employers to promote Red Seal trades.
• Mentorship and networking support costs, including honoraria or fees for female role models and network facilitators.
• Creation of safe and welcoming workplaces for women, such as facility improvements or accommodations.
• Wrap-around supports, such as expenses related to guidance, tutoring, and childcare or flexible childcare arrangements for participants.

Eligible geographic areas

• Organizations located in Canada, including all provinces and territories.
• Applicants in Quebec are eligible but must obtain additional approval from the Government of Quebec.

• Priority may be given to projects that support women in diverse regions across Canada.
• Applicants in Quebec may require approval from the Government of Quebec if their project is accepted for funding.
• Information sessions were held to guide applicants on the application process.
• Incomplete or incorrect applications may be refused, but applicants will be contacted to provide missing mandatory information before eligibility is determined.