CIBC Launches New Skilled Trades Scholarship Initiatives

The bank is partnering with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and Castle Building Centres to support trade students and professionals.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Scholarships

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring leather work gloves placed on wooden building blocks, representing support for Canadian trades. — CIBC has partnered with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and Castle Building Centres to launch scholarship programs for skilled trades students and apprentices. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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CIBC has announced new national initiatives, including a scholarship program for skilled trades students and apprentices, in partnership with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and Castle Building Centres Group Ltd. These efforts provide targeted financial support, resources, and banking solutions for Canada's growing trades workforce.

Why it matters

These initiatives are designed to address the unique financial needs of apprentices, trades professionals, and business owners across the country. By offering access to specialized research and funding, the programs aim to bolster stability during the critical early stages of a career in the trades.

CIBC now serves 15 million clients across its national network. The program builds on a 2024 skilled trades banking offer and a 2025 dedicated Business Banking solution for trades business owners.

The players

CIBC

A leading Canadian financial institution that provides a range of banking and financial services to millions of clients.

Canadian Apprenticeship Forum

A non-profit organization that connects the apprenticeship community to share resources and research on skilled trades.

Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

A prominent Canadian lumber and building materials buying group that supports independent retailers across the nation.

The details

The partnership provides members of the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum with access to exclusive banking offers, financial literacy resources, and industry research. Funding support for students and apprentices is being facilitated through the collaboration with Castle Building Centres Group Ltd.

2024: CIBC launched its skilled trades banking offer.
2025: CIBC introduced a dedicated Business Banking solution for trades business owners.
2026: CIBC sponsored the National Apprenticeship Conference.
October 26, 2026: CIBC announced the new partnership initiatives with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum and Castle.

Culture Shift

This program aligns with the Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit by bolstering support for trade-focused vocational paths. It reflects a broader shift toward prioritizing career-specific financial literacy and professional development in the Canadian skilled trades sector.

Students and apprentices can now access specialized banking tools and scholarship funding that may reduce their immediate financial burden during training. These resources provide a practical way to manage the costs associated with certification and early-career development.

The takeaway

These resources are designed to provide financial stability for those entering the trades, making it easier to navigate the costs of education and training. Aspiring professionals should verify their eligibility with the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum to access these newly available financial tools.