In-demand construction trades have been promised rapid workforce reinforcements in Quebec. The provincial government’s newly released fall economic update earmarks $260 million over two years to fund new specialized training programs for carpenter-joiners, shovel operators, heavy equipment operators, tinsmiths and refrigeration technicians, and to increase the intake of apprentices in the electrical, plumbing and heating fields.

Through this initiative, dubbed Offensive formation en construction, candidates can enroll in one of the new short-term training programs to obtain an attestation of vocational studies (AVS) which signifies their specialized skills. To qualify, they must either be working in construction or have a diploma of vocational studies (DVS). The new programs are expected to roll out in January 2024.

“In Québec, the demand for labour in the construction industry will rise substantially with the launch of several major sites and investment projects, such as the construction of housing units, in the coming years. The current graduation rate is not sufficient to meet the demand for qualified workers,” the economic update states.

The new funding injection will be allocated over two fiscal years, equating to $130 million in each of 2023-24 and 2024-25.