TradeUp
Upskilling Canadian tradespeople for high-growth industries.
Project Overview
Updated July 30, 2024.
The Problem
50% of Canadian workers are at high risk of automation of their positions, particularly in the manufacturing and construction sectors. Further, trade workers are found to have a higher prevalence of poor mental health, with key indicators at more than 5x the national average.
There is a vital need to ensure they are not left behind as industries continue to modernize and automate.
How We Are Solving It
The TradeUp program is a progressive upskilling program for individuals to get and stay in the trades in Canada. The program aims to provide accessible, low-cost, short-cycle training to 1,500 trade workers and other underrepresented groups in Canada. The focus will be training sustainable and transferable skills, including digital, mental health and financial literacies.
In addition to an upskilling curriculum, participants will receive training and support in coping with rapidly changing economic conditions, which are compounding psychological challenges workers face while transitioning into new industries. Program partners will actively work with participants and industry leaders to continuously assess the skills and knowledge needed to guide the design and refinement of the program’s training relevancy to industry needs.
The Result
As a critical need for students studying to work in trades to be equipped with navigating changing economic landscapes, the TradeUp program focused on providing foundational financial, digital literacy and mental health training. During the spring 2024 term, 290 participants were onboarded, and 110 participants were successfully trained, with an additional 4,000 licenses allocated to train students in upcoming 2024 fall and winter terms. The continuation of TradeUp through the additional 4,000 licenses showcases the program’s value and demand in delivering high-quality education.
