Canada is putting new money into green apprenticeship training to help tradespeople build greener, more energy-efficient buildings. The goal is to train more workers for the jobs Canada needs right now, including low-carbon construction, retrofits, and modern infrastructure. This funding supports Canada’s climate goals and could help solve skilled trades shortages across the country.
A big part of the push is focused on “green” skills, meaning hands-on training that helps apprentices and journeypersons work with better building systems and cleaner technologies. That can include high-efficiency heating and ventilation, better insulation practices, modern building envelopes, and energy-saving installation methods.
In an August 2024 announcement, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) said the federal government invests nearly $1 billion each year in apprenticeship supports, including grants, loans, tax credits, and Employment Insurance benefits during technical training. These supports are meant to help more Canadians enter Red Seal trades and complete their training.
“Canada is home to the smartest minds, the most talented workers, and a strong education, training, and employment system. Building on these strengths will help us adapt to a changing global economy and get ahead,” said Randy Boissonnault, then Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “By investing in the skilled trades and jobs of the future, we are setting up workers and businesses to take advantage of every opportunity, while creating good jobs for Canadian workers.”
Most recently, the government announced targeted funding tied directly to greener construction work. For example, the federal government committed close to $9M to help create and deliver green-focused programs for sheet metal workers, with support expected to reach about 2,000 workers. Sheet metal workers play a key role in the low-carbon transition by helping install and maintain HVAC systems, ventilation, and other building systems that significantly affect energy use.
The push also includes major investments in carpenter training, with $20M announced to support training for more than 8,000 skilled trades workers connected to carpentry organizations. Carpenters are at the center of sustainable construction because they work on building structures, envelopes, and materials, all of which affect energy performance and durability.
“To build major infrastructure and create rewarding careers for Canadians, the Government of Canada is investing in skilled trades training,” said John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour), connecting this training to bigger national priorities such as infrastructure and good careers.
Overall, this investment matters for three reasons. First, it helps address workforce shortages by getting more people into apprenticeships and supporting them as they train. Second, it helps Canada meet climate goals by improving the skills needed for energy-efficient construction and low-carbon upgrades. Third, it supports the future of sustainable construction in Canada by making sure today’s apprentices are learning the modern methods they will need for tomorrow’s projects.
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