The Canadian government is seeking delivery agents to design programs and train workers for jobs linked to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A call for proposals has been launched, with a focus on three fields: green buildings and retrofits; electric vehicle (EV) maintenance and charging infrastructure; and low-carbon energy and energy management.
A $99 million funding allocation is targeting six to 12 entities that can provide training at no or low cost for at least 1,500 workers in two or more provinces/territories over the course of the next four years. Private companies, not-for-profit ventures, Indigenous organizations, provincial/territorial governments and their related agencies and Crown corporations are eligible to apply.
“Ensuring that in-demand training, including green skills training in the housing and construction trades, is accessible to Canadians across the country is key to preparing our workforce for jobs in the low-carbon economy,” says Randy Boissonnault, Canada’s Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages. “These new funding opportunities recognize the essential role that Canadian organizations play in driving innovation and growth.”
Successful proponents will receive $8 million to $15 million to support training programs. Beyond knowledge of required skills and market trends in the three targeted job streams, training providers are expected to have or forge relationships with employers, unions, training institutions and other relevant stakeholders, and to have recent experience delivering programs that can lead to “certifications or career pathways”. Programs are to be offered in English or French, and the government will be aiming for broad geographic coverage of Canada in its overall selection.
Related to green buildings and retrofits, the fund is meant to train “a workforce to build and retrofit homes and buildings to reduce energy consumption and achieve low-carbon performance”. The low-carbon energy and carbon management stream could cover a range of energy production, including wind, solar, geothermal, hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels, as well skills related to carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), while EV-related training is to emphasize repair and maintenance of vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Applications can be submitted via the Canadian government’s online portal until May 15. A related call for proposals, specifically for labour unions, is expected to be launched in June.
