22 Reasons for Significant Funding towards the Skilled Trades

This section will describe some of the abundant amount of funding opportunities made available to individuals who are pursuing a career in the skilled trades, as well as to experienced trade professionals.  There are many reasons why governments and organizations offer such remarkable incentives for trade apprentices:

• Skilled Labour Shortages: The Canadian government has recognized that there is a significant labour shortage for trade workers. In order to inspire individuals to take on a career in these demanded industries, grants and incentives are provided.
• Economic Growth: Investing in the training and development of skilled workers assists in building a stronger more resilient Canadian economy. Governments and organizations recognize the significance of increasing a skilled workforce to assist in supporting industries that rely on the skilled trades.  Having certified trade workers not only aids in driving innovation, but also increases production in prominent trade heavy industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair.  This increase in economic growth drives the creation of more employment opportunities.
• Industry Promotions: Numerous grants, bursaries, and scholarships are made available through partnerships between the government, trade technical educational institutions, and private industries or unions. Organizations benefit from the promotion and marketing with the sponsorship of these funding opportunities.  Companies can also attract increased talent with these increased networking efforts.
• Workforce Diversity: Several funding opportunities are precisely targeted to underrepresented groups in the skilled trades industry. Grants that are allocated to underrepresented groups such as women, Indigenous people, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, racialized person, or LGBTQ2+ individuals allows for a greater diversity in the workforce.  Recruiting these underrepresented groups of skilled trade workers also aids in addressing the labour shortage, as there is an available domestic market of personnel that can work in the industry.
• Technology Innovations: Advancements in technology are significantly changing many trade industries.  There are high tax incentives and credits provided to Canadian businesses to invest towards increased research and development endeavours.  Many funding opportunities are made available through micro-credentials for trade workers to adapt and ensure the training is relevant as technology progresses.
• Infrastructure Expansions: The construction and maintenance of buildings, roads, and transportation is critical to the support to Canadian infrastructure. Governments invest highly into trade workers to ensure there is a skilled and competent workforce to build successful public projects.

There is significant support from governments and organizations for trade workers.  Overall, the government wants skilled tradespeople to build a successful career strengthening the economic growth and associated industries.  Through the skilled trades, trade apprentices can likely access sufficient subsidies to complete the chosen qualified certification.  Experienced trades professionals can upskill themselves with continuing development courses to advance their careers.