CFPs: Union Training and Innovation Program – Infrastructure Expansion (Canada)

The Union Training and Innovation Program – Infrastructure Expansion is a funding opportunity provided by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) aimed at enhancing Canada’s skilled trades workforce. This program focuses on expanding training capacity and modernizing union-led training infrastructure. The application period is from 15 October 2026 to 12 November 2026. Eligible organizations can receive up to CAD 10 million for expansion or new construction projects and up to CAD 3 million for renovation projects. The program aims to bolster the training infrastructure for skilled trades in Canada by modernizing and expanding facilities. This initiative is intended to increase the number of available training spaces and improve the quality of training through investments in infrastructure such as renovations, expansions, and new constructions of training facilities.

Eligible projects can receive:

These funds are intended to support the development of state-of-the-art training facilities, helping to train more workers in the skilled trades and meet the demands of the workforce. This funding opportunity is crucial for addressing the growing need for skilled labor in Canada. By enhancing training infrastructure, the program aims to prepare a larger, more skilled workforce, which is essential for economic growth and development in various industrial sectors. Who can apply for this funding? Unions representing workers in the Red Seal trades and organizations managing training trust funds for these unions are eligible to apply. What is the maximum funding available per project? Projects can receive up to CAD 3 million for renovations and up to CAD 10 million for expansions or new constructions. When is the application deadline? The deadline for application submission is 12 November 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST. How long can projects be funded? Projects may be funded for a duration of up to 60 months. Where can I find more information about the application process? Detailed information can be obtained by attending the information sessions or contacting the provided email address. Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines provided by Employment and Social Development Canada and follow the outlined application process. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the development of Canada’s skilled trades workforce.