Members,

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Canadian District have received $37 million dollars in funding to provide support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Canadian construction and manufacturing “Red Seal” trades over the next two years.

This funding will enable approved SMEs to hire up to two new first year apprentices per year over the next two years.

Under the Apprenticeship Service Program (ASP), SMEs can receive up to $5,000 for every new first year apprentice they hire and an additional $5,000 if that apprentice identifies as a person from an equity deserving group such as women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, racialized communities including Black Canadians, and LGBTQ2.

In addition to financial supports, the Apprenticeship Service Program (ASP) will provide assistance to help employers navigate the apprenticeship system, onboard new apprentices and set up the appropriate workplace training.

The funding for the program was provided by the Federal government and announced by Carla Qualtrough, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion at the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum’s (CAF) 2022 National Apprenticeship Conference in May 2022.

The Apprenticeship Service Program (ASP) will be administered by Jodie Lucas, who is familiar to most UBC members through her previous role at the UBC Canadian District Office in Winnipeg.

In her new role as Executive Director, Lucas will oversee the disbursement of funds to small and medium Enterprises looking to hire new, first year apprentices.

UBC Canadian District has also hired regional SME Coordinators to assist with the processing of new applicants. In Alberta, the Regional SME coordinator is Emma Ash. She can be reached by email at eash@albertacarpenters.com. 

APPLY NOW for the Apprenticeship Service Program (ASP) at ubc-asp.ca.

For more information, click here and here.