Rupertsland Institute has received funding from the federal government to provide incentives to small and medium sized enterprises hiring first-year apprentices

Thursday, October 13 (amiskwaciy-wâskahikan | Edmonton, Alberta) – Rupertsland Institute (RLI) is proud to announce it has received funding from Employment and Social Development Canada to administer an exciting new program.

Backgrounder: Apprenticeship Service – Canada.ca

The federal government says about 700,000 skilled trades workers are expected to retire in Canada by 2028. It is investing nearly $247 million to help create more than 25,000 apprentice positions in skilled trades across Canada.

“Through this funding, RLI will target up to 150 first-year Red Seal apprentices per year,” says RLI CEO Mark McCallum.

RLI will assist to further distribute financial incentives to SMEs who hire apprentices, and provide additional supports, such as help navigating the apprenticeship system, onboarding apprentices, and creating welcoming workplaces for apprentices in the construction and manufacturing industries in Alberta. There are 39 trades eligible for the program. The most sought-after tradespeople include welders, millwrights, bricklayers, and boilermakers.

Small and medium-sized enterprises can apply for a financial incentive of up to $10,000 to support the hiring of apprentices who identify as Métis, First Nations, and/or women (gender). To participate in the program as an apprentice, an individual must self-identify as Métis, First Nations, and/or as a woman (gender), as well as be ready to enter their first year of a trade in construction or manufacturing.

Program applicants and small to medium-sized businesses can call 1 (888) 486-3847 or email apprenticeship@rupertsland.org to learn more and apply.

For more information or to arrange an interview with Shannon McCarthy, Director of Métis Training to Employment, please contact:

Jill McKenzie, Communications Manager
pipikwan pêhtâkwan
jill@pipikwanpehtakwan.com
902-830-0814

About Rupertsland Institute:

Established as an affiliate of the Métis Nation of Alberta (MNA), the Rupertsland Institute (RLI) Métis Centre of Excellence was incorporated as a Section 9 company under the Alberta Companies Act on July 26, 2010 and holds the mandate for education, training, and research on behalf of the MNA. RLI’s vision is for a skilled, knowledgeable, and self-reliant Métis Nation and is integral to enhancing the self-sufficiency and well-being of Alberta Métis through quality education, training, and research.

NT5