June 17, 2026 – Relay Education has received $3,033,643 from the Government of Canada’s Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy to deliver hands-on solar installation and maintenance training for hundreds of Canadians over five years, with a focus on apprentices and journeypersons. Relay Education is the operating name of TREC Charitable Foundation, a Canadian registered charity.
From 2025 to 2030, Relay Education will facilitate 35 solar installation training programs in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, offering hands-on skilled trades training to 500 participants.
“Relay has seen firsthand the need and the power of solar installation training in Canada. Members of the renewable energy industry have been clear—there is a shortage of workers with the skills and knowledge needed to install solar systems across the country. Indigenous communities have also communicated the desire of community members to work in the space. This program strives to meet these challenges and be a catalyst for a more sustainable future,” Wesley Normington, Executive Director of Relay Education.
Relay Education is delivering this program in partnership with Indigenous Skills Employment Apprenticeship and Development (ISEAD), the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) 353 and other partners across the country. Together this collaboration will strengthen local skills in solar technology installation and maintenance.
The solar training courses will provide workers with practical skills needed to work in Canada’s expanding renewable energy sector. The initiative includes guidance, logistical support, mentorship for participants and increases accessibility to training. It will help to advance solar education and awareness and provide training opportunities for non-union workers pursuing Red Seal Industrial Electrician certification. By the end of the program, 500 participants will have gained practical, hands-on skills that directly support jobs in the renewable energy sector.
“Indigenous Skills, Employment, Apprenticeship and Development (ISEAD) is a nationally registered not-for-profit Indigenous lead organization engaged in ensuring equitable access for Indigenous people and their communities to opportunities in training, education, employment, social enterprise and economic development. Partnerships with organizations like Relay Education ensure exposure for Indigenous youth to opportunities in the electrical employment sector leading to professional careers in the skilled trades.” Valerie Vanderwyk, Executive Director of ISEAD.
“Relay Education provides valuable solar installation training for IBEW 353 Pathway Program participants, which has a positive impact on their employability within the high demand solar industry, and certainly enhances their skill set for advancing their career working anywhere in the electrical trade. The IBEW 353 Pathway Program values our partnership with Relay Education.” Cindy Krysac, IBEW 353 Pathway Project Lead.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment among Relay Education, ISEAD, IBEW, and union partners to strengthen training pathways, expand career opportunities in renewable energy and support Indigenous communities in achieving long-term economic and environmental success.
About Relay Education
Relay Education is the operating name of TREC Charitable Foundation, a Canadian registered charity that delivers hands-on environmental education and training around the world. Relay leads programs on renewable energy, climate solutions, and green careers. The organization also offers adult training in technical trades such as solar installation and maintenance. Relay Education is supporting the next generation of green leaders.
About the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy Sustainable Jobs Stream
The Sustainable Jobs Stream under the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy (CAS) aims to build a robust supply of skilled trades people who are better equipped for the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The Government of Canada is engaged in helping workers in Red Seal trades that are key to reducing Canada’s emissions by investing in green training to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow. Green training aims to support the development of knowledge, competencies and experience needed to enable environmental sustainability of economic activities, contribute to reducing pollution, contribute to natural resources conservation, or to support sustainable and resource-efficient projects.
About our grant program partners
Indigenous Skills Employment Apprenticeship and Development (ISEAD)
ISEAD supports Indigenous peoples’ access to employment, skills development, and apprenticeship opportunities nationwide. Helping to improve the socio-economic well-being of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people of Canada through successful inclusion in the skilled trades.
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW)
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 353 is a forward thinking, highly skilled, and dedicated electrical union. IBEW Local 353 represents approximately 11,000 members who work in a variety of electrical disciplines and who work across central Ontario, spanning from Brampton to Peterborough to Parry Sound.
The IBEW 353 Pathway Program for Women provides an individually supported and accessible pre-apprentice pathway into electrical apprenticeship employment for women and anyone identifying as female, two spirited, nonbinary, or other non-cis gendered persons with a welcoming focus on Indigenous and racialized and newcomer workers.
The opinions and interpretations in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the Government of Canada.
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PDF of Media Release available to download
Media Contact:
Kelly Park
Communications Manager, Relay Education
kelly@relayeducation.com | 416-583-2233