Closed
Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream
Funding for innovative Red Seal apprenticeship partnerships
Last Update: April 27, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000,000
Timeline
- Open Date : October 12, 2022
- Closing date : December 1, 2022
Location
Canada
Overview
This program provides up to $5,000,000 for projects lasting up to 60 months. It supports innovative approaches and partnerships that address apprenticeship challenges in Red Seal trades.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Conduct research and development activities
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 5,000,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : October 12, 2022
- Closing date : December 1, 2022
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Language Minorities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- Black Canadians
- Rural or Northern Residents
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Youth (<40)
- Women
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Develop, test, evaluate, and promote innovative approaches
- Expand or replicate best practices
- Support people preparing for, progressing in, or certifying in Red Seal apprenticeships
Documents Needed
- Completed Application for Funding form
- Completed Budget Detail Template
- Union collaboration letter, if applicable
- Attestation section completed
- Supporting confirmation letters for contributions and partnerships, if selected
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Unions representing Red Seal trade workers
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations with non-commercial project activities
- Municipal governments
- Indigenous organizations and provincial or territorial public bodies
Who is not eligible
- Organizations located and operating in Quebec
- Non-union applicants without a union partner
Eligible expenses
- Wages and mandatory employment-related costs
- Materials and supplies
- Staff training and professional development
- Professional fees and facilitation
- Travel, hospitality, participant support, and communications
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Land purchase, construction, or renovation
- Core, existing, or ongoing organizational activities
- Costs not related to project activities
- Proposal preparation costs
- Entertainment costs, fines, and penalties
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada, excluding Quebec
Selection criteria
- Clear link to program objectives
- Innovation or strong use of best practices
- Broad partnerships across sectors, regions, or trades
- Realistic timelines and milestones
- Clear expected results and measurement approach
How to apply
- Step 1: Read the applicant guide
- Review the guide to complete the application form.
- Step 2: Prepare supporting documents
- Complete the application form and budget template.
- Include the union collaboration letter if required.
- Complete the attestation.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Submit through GCOS online, or by email or mail.
- Online applicants must complete the form and upload the budget template in GCOS.
- Email or mail the complete package to the program office.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility
- Missing mandatory information may be requested before eligibility is determined
- Applicants receive a funding decision by email within 26 to 28 weeks after the submission period closes
- A signed funding agreement is required before project activities can begin
- Payments are made after the agreement is signed and, for later payments, after a completed claim package is received
Additional information
- Only one application is allowed per organization in this funding process.
- The funding decision may approve a project in whole or in part.
- Successful projects are expected to start in late summer 2023.
- Projects cannot overlap with the same activities under the Women in the Skilled Trades Initiative.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream Program
What is the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream?
This program provides up to $5,000,000 for projects lasting up to 60 months. It supports innovative approaches and partnerships that address apprenticeship challenges in Red Seal trades.
How much funding can be received?
Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream Funds up to $5,000,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was December 1, 2022.
Who is eligible for the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream program?
To be eligible for the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream program, you must:
Located in Canada, outside Quebec
Union involvement required
Red Seal trades focus
What expenses are eligible under Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream?
Develop, test, evaluate, and promote innovative approaches
Expand or replicate best practices
Support people preparing for, progressing in, or certifying in Red Seal apprenticeships
Who can I contact for more information about the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.PFIMS.INNOVATION-INNOVATION.UTIP.ESDC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca.
Where is the Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream available?
The Union Training and Innovation Program – Innovation in Apprenticeship Stream program is available across Canada.