Canadians could get up to $5,000 to get certified for in-demand jobs
Workers could soon get paid $5,000 for completing their certification for jobs that are currently in high demand across Canada.
On Tuesday, Minister of Finance and National Revenue François-Philippe Champagne addressed the issue of jobs in Canada during his Spring Economic Update 2026 speech in Ottawa.
“Investing in our future also means investing in the people who are building it,” he said. “That’s why this update is focused on helping workers and young people gain the skills, experience, and support they need to succeed — and connecting them with opportunities.”
As part of the plan, the government said it’s investing up to $6 billion in hiring and training over five years to address the ongoing shortage of skilled trades workers. It plans to train and hire up to 100,000 skilled trade workers by 2030 to 2031, while also creating paid pathways for training and hands-on experience. The goal: to create opportunities and attract workers needed for housing, infrastructure, and defence projects.
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And the government is trying to attract talent by providing an incentive: Canadians who complete their Red Seal certification could get a bonus.
The government wants to speed up certification and reward workers who complete their certification by offering continued support and bonuses. As a result, it’s offering a one-time bonus of $5,000 for apprentices who earn their Red Seal trade certification.
So, what is the Red Seal certificate?
According to its website, the program sets common standards for assessing the skills of tradespeople across Canada. Since a Red Seal certification is a national standard, it also allows for employment mobility, making it easier for workers to practice their trade across the country.
The program is a partnership between the federal government and the provinces and territories, which handle apprenticeship training and trade certification. Workers must meet the required experience and pass the Red Seal Exam for Red Seal Trades.
In addition to the bonus, the government will provide apprentices with up to $400 every week (or a total of $16,000 per apprentice) while attending mandatory in-class technical training.
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To address youth unemployment, the government is also providing youth aged 15 to 30 with paid, entry-level jobs in trades, providing experience that could lead to an apprenticeship.
“And we are doing much more, because growth depends on people and on giving them the tools to succeed,” stated Champagne.
According to Statistics Canada, nearly 500,000 people were registered in apprenticeship programs in Red Seal trades in 2024. The highest numbers were for construction electricians, carpenters, automotive service technicians, and plumbers.