Canada’s Building Trades Unions welcome today’s announcement from Secretary of State for Labour, John Zerucelli, and Employment and Social Development Canada regarding changes to the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy’s Investments in Training Equipment (CAS ITE). By expanding flexibilities to cover shipping and installation costs and federal contributions of up to 70% for projects in remote or infrastructure‑limited areas, it will make be more accessible and more affordable for unions and training providers to acquire the modern equipment and materials our apprentices need to ensure their training provides real-world experiences.
With $20 million available through the CAS ITE in 2025–26 and applications open now, this funding will help ensure more apprentices gain the hands‑on experience required to complete their programs and succeed on job sites across Canada.
This builds on the previously announced $75‑million, three‑year expansion of the Union Training and Innovation Program in Budget 2025, which will further boost union‑based apprenticeship training as Canada prepares to achieve its ambitious economic and infrastructure goals.
“On behalf of our members and CBTU’s Canadian Executive Board, we welcome these investments and applaud the Employment and Social Development Canada’s commitment to strengthening apprenticeship training,” share Sean Strickland, Canada’s Building Trades Unions’ Executive Director. “We are committed to working closely with Minister Zerucelli and our affiliates nationwide to ensure this funding delivers real results, including more apprentices completing their programs, state‑of‑the‑art training facilities, and a highly skilled trades workforce ready to build the infrastructure and major projects Canada needs. This is a crucial step toward securing good, union jobs and a stronger economic future for communities from coast-to-coast.”
Applications are open to eligible unions and training providers through the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy – Investments in Training Equipment page here