Women in Skilled Trades Initiative

Receive up to $3 Million in Funding Support.

As part of the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, the Government of Canada’s Women in Skilled Trades Initiative sponsors projects supporting female apprentice recruitment, retention, and career advancement. This program is available to support one of a total of 39 unique Red Seal Trades across Canada.

Attention: This program is currently closed. You can speak with a member of our team about future intake periods or similar funding programs you may be eligible for, get email updates through our weekly newsletter, or look through our list of available funding programs in our directory page.

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Funding Amount

A contribution up to 90% of project costs to a maximum of $3M, defined based on scope and impact of project.

Eligible Applicants

Unions representing Red Seal Trades, not-for-profit organizations, for-profit organizations, Municipal and Provincial governments, and Indigenous organizations.

Eligible Activities

A wide variety of activities are eligibile under this program which range from supporting women-led events, the progression of workers through Red Seal trades programs, and more.

Deadline to Apply

Speak with a member of our team about current intakes for this program and other funding programs your business may be eligible for.

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Mentor Works Government Funding Application Success Rate

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Give your application the best chance at approval. Mentor Works has an 86% approval rating across all Canadian funding programs.

Women in Skilled Trades Initiative

Amount of Funding

Access up to 90% of costs to a maximum $3 million per application.

Women in Skilled Trades Initiative

Eligible Applicants

An organization that manages Red Seal trades training funds, such as a union:
- Union-sponsored joint training funds; and
- Unions and employers’ associations.
Organizations that are not-for-profit;
Organisations that are for-profit (provided that the projects are not intended to make money);
Governments at the municipal and provincial levels; and
Organizations of indigenous peoples.

Women in Skilled Trades Initiative

Eligible Activities

Organizing events led by women;
Promoting the 39 Red Seal trades through partnerships with women’s groups, community colleges, unions, and employers;
Assisting women in achieving a Red Seal apprenticeship in one of the 39 trades eligible for the Red Seal program;
Mentorship by female role models, networking opportunities for women in skilled trades, and success stories sharing;
The creation of an environment that is welcoming and safe for women at work; and
Assisting with childcare arrangements, tutoring, guidance, and other services.