The Building Trades of Alberta proudly supports the Government of Canada’s investment of more than $430 million over five years in the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP), announced today by Secretary of State (Labour) John Zerucelli. Part of the federal government’s Team Canada Strong initiative, the investment opens opportunities to expand training facilities, purchase modern equipment and strengthen apprenticeship training across the country.

For Alberta’s Building Trades Unions, this is an opportunity to build on the training expertise already serving our province. Investing in union training centres helps prepare more Albertans for rewarding careers while giving contractors and project owners access to the skilled workforce they need.

“The Union Training and Innovation Program is one of the most effective tools Canada has to build apprenticeships,” said BTA Executive Director Terry Parker. “Our affiliates’ training centres turn that investment directly into giving more apprentices access to modern equipment, hands-on training and a clear path in the skilled trades.”

The announcement also temporarily increases the maximum federal contribution for training equipment purchases from 50 per cent to 70 per cent. For eligible Alberta training providers, this could make costly equipment upgrades more affordable and help apprentices practise on the tools and technology they will encounter on the job.

For the BTA, today’s announcement reinforces the importance of investing in the people who will build and maintain Alberta’s industrial facilities, energy infrastructure and communities. More training space and better equipment can help unions prepare workers before projects need them, while apprenticeship supports can help more people turn an initial opportunity into a lasting career.

The BTA thanks Secretary of State Zerucelli and the Government of Canada for recognizing the role of union-led training. Supporting our training centres is an investment in Alberta workers, the quality of the work they deliver and the province’s ability to take on the projects ahead.