Canada’s construction industry is booming, but productivity and workforce growth aren’t keeping pace. As project demands grow and skilled labour becomes harder to find, employers need adaptable, well-trained teams more than ever. Upskilling and leadership development are key to staying competitive—but training comes with a cost.

For workers, the opportunity is clear: construction offers high-paying, in-demand jobs, career mobility, and the chance to shape the world around you—literally. Whether you’re just starting out in the skilled trades or aiming to move into a leadership role, now is the time to invest in your future.

And there’s no shortage of work. According to Green Building Canada, the construction industry will face a shortage of more than 85,000 workers by 2033. Statistics Canada reports that more than a third of businesses anticipate labour-related challenges in the near future, with recruiting skilled employees topping the list.

Good news: There’s funding available.

Federal and provincial governments across Canada offer a variety of grants and funding opportunities to support construction training. These programs can offset costs for employers, employees, and apprentices, making it easier to invest in skills that build a stronger, more future-ready workforce.

Here are some of the top funding options construction companies and workers should know about:

Funding Opportunities for Construction Training

Note: Some programs have specific application periods and may temporarily close to new applicants. Be sure to check individual program websites for current details and deadlines.

Canadian Apprenticeship Service
Offers up to $20,000 per year in incentives to companies with fewer than 500 paid employees for hiring and training first-year apprentices in any of 39 Red Seal trades. Delivered in partnership with the Canadian Construction Association, Canadian Apprenticeship Forum, Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board, ApprenticeSearch.com, BuildForce Canada, and SkillPlan.

Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy – Investments in Training Equipment
Provides organizations up to $5,000,000 a year to fund projects that demonstrate a need for training equipment or materials that meet industry standards, or invest in new technology to train pre-apprentices and apprentices in the Red Seal trades.

Canada-Ontario Job Grant
Provides $10,000 per trainee and up to $15,000 for small employers to support employer-driven training initiatives. Employers select the training that aligns with their business needs, and the government helps cover the cost.

Better Jobs Ontario
Offers individuals financial assistance of up to $28,000 to train for in-demand, high-skill occupations. Funding may cover tuition, textbooks, transportation, and basic living expenses for eligible participants.

Ontario Labour Market Partnerships
Funds collaborative training initiatives that address critical labour market needs. Projects typically involve partnerships among employers, industry associations, and post-secondary institutions.

Ontario Bridge Training Program
Supports internationally trained professionals—including those in electrical engineering, HVAC, architecture, and construction project management—to continue their careers in Ontario through targeted skills training and credential recognition.

Skills Development Fund: Capital Stream (Ontario)
Offers funding to build, expand, or modernize training centres that support workforce development and help employers meet emerging industry needs.

B.C. Employer Training Grant
Reimburses employers for 80 percent of training costs, up to $10,000 per employee. The program supports a range of skills development efforts, including technical training, leadership, and project management.

B.C. Construction Association Past Chair Legacy Fund and Trades Training Fund
These two funds support training for trades and professional pathways. The Trades Training Fund is targeted at apprenticeship, specialized, technical, and managerial training in northwest B.C., while the Legacy Fund focuses on preparing future leaders in construction.

Community Workforce Response Grant (B.C.)
Funds cohort-based training for three or more participants for communities addressing workforce challenges as a result of changing local economic conditions, emerging priorities, or unexpected natural disasters. CWRG covers 100 percent of all skills training costs up to $11,000 per participant, up to a project total of $300,000.

Trade Pathways (Alberta)
An employment program funded by the Government of Alberta and run by the Alberta Construction Association. Designed to connect Albertans with employment and training opportunities in the skilled trades.

Saskatchewan Women in Skilled Trades Initiative
Supports women pursuing careers in Red Seal trades through targeted training and career development opportunities.

Saskatchewan Indigenous Apprenticeship Initiative
Funds training programs that promote the skilled trades as a career path for Indigenous people, with a focus on apprenticeship readiness and skills development.

Manitoba Paid Work Experience Tax Credits
Offers tax credits of up to $5,000 to employers who hire apprentices or newly certified journeypersons, helping to reduce wage costs and encourage work-integrated learning.

Manitoba Industry Expansion Program
Assists companies with investments in employee skills development by contributing to the cost of internal or external training programs.

Nova Scotia Workplace Innovation and Productivity Skills Incentive
Provides funding to employers and industry associations to deliver training that boosts innovation and productivity. Supports both technical and leadership training initiatives.

Workplace Skills Training (PEI)
Contributes up to 50 percent of direct training costs to employers training employees to develop skills that meet the demands of today’s economy.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative
Supports innovative homebuilding strategies, including training and workforce development activities that promote new approaches to construction in Atlantic Canada.

Grant for Nunavut Employers
Reimburses two-thirds of the eligible training or professional development costs for each trainee hired by a Nunavut employer that is providing a position for the trainee to advance into after training.

Employee Training Program (Northwest Territories)
Provides up to $13,000 per employee annually to employers to offset training and upskilling costs, including essential skills training, technical training courses, and management and leadership training.

Yukon StaffingUP
A small business employer support program that includes funding to train new or existing workers. Aims to build capacity and fill workforce gaps in Yukon’s construction and related sectors.

Investing in training today is how construction companies future-proof tomorrow. With the right funding, leadership and skills development don’t have to drain budgets—they can drive results. These programs aren’t just support systems; they’re launchpads for higher productivity, better retention, and safer, more resilient teams.

Make it happen

Relevant, flexible training doesn’t have to be expensive. From apprenticeships to leadership programs, there are real, funded pathways for construction companies and workers to level up their skills. These programs don’t just improve performance—they help solve retention, safety, and productivity challenges from the ground up.

Want to explore custom leadership programs or government-funded training in your region? CourseCompare can help. Explore construction management courses, leadership courses, or specialized skilled trades training for roles like heavy equipment operator, carpenter, electrician, plumber, welder, and more at the best trade schools in Canada.