Quebec unveils plan to pay trades students while they train
Those who enrol could be eligible for scholarships of between $9,000 to $15,000 upon graduation.
Quebec Premier François Legault (right) meets with construction workers. – Province of Quebec
Key Takeaways:
- Quebec plans to pay students training in critical trades $750 per week to get a professional studies certificate.
- Officials noted that province is short about 6,500 construction workers.
- The province hopes the funds will help training 4,000 to 5,000 new tradespeople.
The Whole Story:
Quebec wants to fast-track construction careers by paying aspiring tradespeople to get training.
Premier François Legault announced the province’s new plan to train 4,000 to 5,000 new carpenters, excavator operators, heavy machinery operators, refrigeration technicians and tinsmiths.
Legault told reporters that this will be supported by accelerated training programs where students in those trades will receive $750 per week to obtain a professional studies certificate.
Those who enrol could be eligible for scholarships of between $9,000 to $15,000 upon graduation.
Legault said the program is important as the province is short about 6,500 construction workers.
The announcement was celebrated by the Association de la construction du Québec (ACQ)
“For the ACQ, being able to count on a well-trained workforce in the construction sector is fundamental to building the Quebec of tomorrow,” said the group. “In this sense, the training announced will allow, among other things, those wishing to redirect their career towards the construction sector to realize this dream while being paid. This initiative highlights the Quebec government’s commitment to promoting the growth of the construction industry while offering new professional opportunities to workers.”
The program is expected to cost roughly $300 million.
