Minister Hajdu outlines progress in implementing Team Canada Strong to recruit, train, and hire the next generation of skilled trades workers

GATINEAU, QC, Sept. 18, 2026 /CNW/ -- As Canada responds to a rapidly changing global economy and evolving trade relationships, the Government of Canada is focused on what it can control. From the beginning, that has meant building a stronger, more resilient country by investing in the people, skills and industries that will drive Canada's future prosperity. Young people are an essential part of that effort.  

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, announced that Canadians will be able to access the first Team Canada Strong programs this fall. These programs will help more young Canadians build the skills and experience needed to play a leading role in Canada's future workforce.

First, the new Team Canada Strong Youth Placements program is accepting Expressions of Interest from organizations that connect young Canadians with paid opportunities in the skilled trades. Beginning in early 2027, young Canadians will be able to access paid job placements of up to four months to gain hands-on experience and explore careers in the trades. Backed by an $880 million investment over five years, the program will help more young people pursue careers in the skilled trades. Organizations interested in delivering the program can submit an Expression of Interest until October 23rd.

Second, tradespeople who complete an apprenticeship and earn certification in one of the eligible Red Seal trades designated within their province or territory will be able to apply for a $5,000 completion bonus later this fall. The bonus will also be available to those who received their certification on or after April 1, 2025.

Third, the Build Canada Apprenticeship Service, launching later this fall, will help connect apprentices with jobs at small and medium-sized employers. Employers who hire a first-year apprentice in an eligible Red Seal trade can receive up to $10,000 to support their hiring and help apprentices continue their training. The service will also provide support to help apprentices overcome other barriers and complete their apprenticeship training.

Fourth, the Apprenticeship Training Grant, expected to launch in spring 2027, will provide eligible apprentices attending mandatory in-class technical training with a $400 weekly top-up in addition to Employment Insurance. This support will help apprentices reduce the financial pressures that can come with attending technical training, so they can complete their training and transition into permanent jobs. The grant will apply to eligible weeks of technical training that begin on or after January 3, 2027.

Finally, as part of the Government of Canada's $8 billion Team Canada Strong investment, discussions are underway with provinces and territories on new bilateral agreements that will provide $2 billion in federal funding to expand access to pre-apprenticeship and technical training. This funding will help provinces and territories create more training and apprenticeship opportunities for young people pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

By investing in young people today, the Government of Canada is helping build the skilled workforce Canada needs for the future. These measures will create new opportunities for the next generation while supporting a stronger, more resilient country for years to come.

Quote

"Young people want the opportunity to contribute and be part of building a stronger Canada for future generations. By helping more young Canadians pursue careers in skilled trades, we are opening the door to meaningful work that will help build the homes, infrastructure and major projects Canada needs. The next generation has an important role to play in shaping Canada's future, and we want to ensure they have the opportunity to be part of that work."

- The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario

Quick facts

• In addition to $8 billion in Team Canada Strong funding, the Government of Canada provides nearly $1 billion annually in apprenticeship supports through loans, project funding, tax credits and deductions, Employment Insurance benefits, and support for the Red Seal Program.
• Between 2024 and 2033, Canada will have more than 1.4 million job openings in the skilled trades, to build homes, expand transit and develop energy infrastructure across the country.
• Canada.ca/skilled-trades provides Canadians with information about the skilled trades, including how to become a tradesperson and what financial supports are available to them while in training.

Associated links

• Canada.ca/skilled-trades
• Team Canada Strong Backgrounder
• Red Seal Program
• Team Canada Strong Youth Placements program
• Government of Canada Announces new $2-billion funding for provinces and territories under Team Canada Strong 
• About the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy
• Spring Economic Update 2026

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Contacts: For media enquiries, please contact: Jennifer Kozelj, Senior Communications Advisor and Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario, [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]