Ottawa, May 1 -- Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday announced a C$6 billion ($4.4 billion) national programme aimed at expanding the country's skilled trades workforce as demand for labour grows across construction, infrastructure and energy sectors.

According to a statement, the plan is intended to address barriers to entering the trades, including training costs, limited apprenticeship opportunities and delays in certification.

The programme allocates C$2 billion to support paid job placements for young workers that transition into registered apprenticeships.

It also includes the creation of a national apprenticeship service designed to connect trainees with employers and subsidise first-year wages.

An additional C$331 mi...