ESDC — Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative
At a glance
- Max. $3,000,000
- Unspecified
- All industries
- Employment and Social Development Canada
- Government of Canada
Overview
Eligibility criteria
The eligibility criteria for this grant include:
- Organizations must be located in Canada
- Eligible applicants can be unions, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, municipal or Indigenous governments, and provincial or territorial governments
- Projects must target women apprentices in the 39 eligible Red Seal trades
- Projects must have contributions from sources other than Employment and Social Development Canada
Who is eligible
Eligible types of organizations for this grant include unions representing workers in Red Seal trades, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations (with specific non-commercial intent), municipal governments, Indigenous organizations, and provincial/territorial governments.
- Union representing workers in Red Seal trades
- Not-for-profit organization
- For-profit organization (with specific non-commercial intent)
- Municipal government
- Indigenous organization (band council, tribal council, self-government entity)
- Provincial and territorial government (agency, institution, Crown corporation)
Who is not eligible
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)
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant may include costs associated with organizing women-led events, creating partnerships with women's groups, providing mentorship programs, offering guidance and support, as well as covering administrative and operational expenses.
- Costs for organizing women-led events
- Partnership development with women's groups, community colleges, and employers
- Mentorship programs for female apprentices
- Guidance, tutoring, childcare support, and flexible arrangements
- Administrative and operational expenses related to the project
Eligible projects & activities
There are eligible projects and activities for this grant:
- Organizing women-led events
- Creating 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 1 of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades
- Offering mentorship by female role models, women-in-the-skilled-trades networks, and opportunities to share success stories
- Creating a welcoming workplace where women can feel comfortable and safe in work sites
- Providing wrap-around supports, such as guidance, tutoring, childcare support, flexible childcare arrangements
Evaluation & selection criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The evaluation criteria include project objectives, project activities, timelines and feasibility, project impact and results, project cost, and additional funding priorities.
- Project objectives: Describe how the project aims to recruit, retain, and help exclusively women apprentices succeed.
- Project activities, timelines and feasibility: Provide clear and relevant descriptions and realistic timelines.
- Project impact and results: Explain how the funding will improve recruitment, retention, and success of women apprentices.
- Project cost: Justify the use of funds and demonstrate reasonable and detailed costs.
- Additional funding priorities: Priority may be given to projects supporting women in different regions, supporting a specific number of women, and submitted by experienced organizations.
How to apply
- Step 1. Read the applicant guide
- Read the applicant guide to complete your application form. This guide includes details for each question of the form.
- Step 2. Gather your supporting documents and information
- A complete application package includes:
- a complete Application for Funding form
- a complete Budget Detail Template
- A complete application package includes:
- Step 3. Decide how to apply (online, email, or mail)
- Apply online using Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) or apply by email or mail by downloading and completing the application form and sending it to the specified addresses.
Description of the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative Grant
The Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative Grant, part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, aims to support projects that recruit, retain, and help women apprentices succeed in the 39 eligible Red Seal trades. Organizations can apply for up to $3,000,000 for projects lasting up to 48 months to promote diversity and inclusivity in skilled trades.
Overview of the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative
The Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative is a funding opportunity under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, launched to encourage the participation of women in traditionally male-dominated trades. The objective is to support projects that focus on the recruitment, retention, and success of women apprentices in the 39 Red Seal trades, primarily in construction and manufacturing sectors.
Eligible organizations, including unions, nonprofits, for-profit entities, and government bodies, can seek funding of up to $3,000,000 for innovative initiatives that target women apprentices in various regions across Canada. Projects must align with the goal of creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for women in the skilled trades through partnerships, mentorship programs, and supportive services.
Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to advancing gender equality in the trades and have a clear plan for measuring the impact of their projects. The grant prioritizes projects that contribute to supporting women apprentices in multiple regions and those submitted by organizations with experience in empowering women in the skilled trades.
With a focus on promoting diversity, equality, and skills development in the trades, the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in the industry and create a more inclusive environment for women pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
