Canada Announces $880M Fund to Help Youth Gain Skilled Trades Experience

The Liberal government has announced an $880-million fund aimed at helping young Canadians gain valuable experience in skilled trades.

Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu said that starting early next year, young Canadians will be able to access up to four months of paid job placements to gain hands-on skills and workplace experience before beginning formal training.

The funding is part of an $8-billion budget set aside by the government to help train the next generation of skilled workers across Canada, including carpenters, electricians and welders.

The government also announced that workers who completed their Red Seal certification after April 2025 will receive a $5,000 bonus this fall.

In addition, a new program will launch in the spring to help small businesses expand training opportunities. The government also plans to increase Employment Insurance payments for apprentices during their training periods.