The scheme is part of a $155M investment plan
Following the impact of COVID-19 on the jobs market, Quebec has announced plans to retrain 20,000 unemployed workers.
Quebec Labour Minister Jean Boulet revealed the plans as part of a $115 million par l'augmentation de la formation (PARAF), aimed at aiding the unemployed.
Each employee will receive $500 per week throughout the training – so long as they are enrolled in one of the courses on offer.
“Training is an effective way to meet the labour needs of sectors with labour shortages,” added Boulet.
“This allows those who have lost their jobs to re-qualify to re-enter the labour market. Your government is there to support the unemployed in their career reorientation.
“PARAF stems from the consensus reached at the Virtual Forum on workforce requalification and employment, held on October 16.
“This program is intended as a response to the current situation linked to the pandemic and contributes to economic recovery. It will allow thousands of people to learn new skills without financial worries.
“I repeat, training is essential to professional success and benefits all of Quebec society!”
In order to be eligible for the program, all participants must be enrolled by March 31 2021. A concerted effort will be made to replenish struggling sectors such as skilled labour, health, construction, and IT.
PARAF is part of the workforce requalification efforts set out in Québec's Economic and Financial Situation, which will total $ 459 million in investments by 2022.