There are many gaps in the skilled trades, from a lack of skilled workers to the barriers in the industry. There are some incentive programs that can reduce some of these barriers and help your business continue to grow. There are both Federal and Provincial Funding Programs which are listed below.

* Please note the below list of funding programs is up to date as of October 1, 2024.
* Support Ontario Youth (SOY) maintains a database of up-to-date funding opportunities which you can access in the future using the links below.

• List of Federal and Provincial apprentice grants and benefits (maintained by SOY)
• Funding options for employers (maintained by SOY)

Federal and Provincial Funding Programs

1) Achievement incentive program and Achievement incentive program FAQ guide

• The Achievement Incentive program is a taxable cash grant for eligible sponsors/employers when apprentices meet specific training and certification milestones. Additional funding is available for the registration and progression of youth and apprentices that self-identify as being part of an under-represented group, offering up to $17,000 per apprentice.

2) Apprenticeship Development Benefit (ADB)

• Note: After you click the above link, scroll down to find this benefit
• The Apprenticeship Development Benefit provides temporary financial assistance to both Employment Insurance (EI) and non-EI eligible apprentices while attending full-time classes at an approved Training Delivery Agent. ADB may include financial assistance for basic living expenses and personal supports.

3) Apprenticeship grants

a) Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) (end March 31 2025)

• • The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year/level (or equivalent) up to $2,000 per person in a designated Red Seal trade.

b) Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) (end March 31 2025)

• • The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is a one-time taxable cash grant of $2000 per person for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade.

c) Apprenticeship Completion Bonus in Non-Red Seal Trades

• • Note: click on apply for money and scroll down
  • The Apprenticeship Completion Bonus in non-Red Seal trades is a one-time taxable cash grant of $2000 to apprentices who complete the highest level of certification in any Ontario non-Red Seal trade.

d) Grant for Apprentice Learning

• • The Grant for Apprentice Learning is a government of Ontario apprenticeship initiative for EI eligible apprentices. The Grant for Apprentice Learning will offer from a maximum of up to $3,600 for apprentices per level of full-time in-class training successfully completed after April 1, 2020.

4) Apprenticeship job creation tax credit (AJCTC)

• The Apprentice Job Creation Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of the salaries and wages paid to apprentices, up to a maximum of $2000 per year for each eligible apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade.

5) Apprenticeship Service

• The Apprenticeship Service supports employers to hire new first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades. It also helps first-year apprentices get the hands-on work experience they need for a career in the skilled trades.
• Small and medium-sized employers can receive:
  • $5,000 for each eligible new first-year apprentice hired
  • $10,000 if the apprentice hired is from an equity-deserving group
• They also provide other supports to employers to help them take part in apprenticeship.
  • Note: The Apprenticeship Service is not currently accepting applications. Employment and Social Development Canada is working to renew the Apprenticeship Service.
  • Register here to get notified about funding opportunities

6) Canada apprentice loan

• The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative to provide up to $4000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training in a designated Red Seal Trade. This loan is available to help pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages or to help support your family.

7) Canada Ontario job grant

• The Canada Ontario Job Grant provides direct financial support to individual employers who wish to purchase training for their employees. Provides up to $10,000 per employee in government support per person for training costs. The size of the company determines the employer contribution.

8) Certificate of Qualification fee waiver

• The $150 fee for apprentices taking their first Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) exam has been waived. By removing the C of Q exam fee, Ontario is making it easier for more people to start their career in the skilled trades.

9) Employment Insurance for apprentices attending trade school

• contains more detailed information and steps for apprentices to apply for EI benefits.

10) Support for Apprentices with Disabilities

• This program is offered through Ontario’s 24 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology to help people with disabilities participate in apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs.

11) Tax deductions and credits for apprentices and tradespersons

• The Government of Canada offers a range of tax credits and incentives apprentices can benefit from. These include:
  • Tradesperson’s tools deduction
    • If you have purchased eligible tools to earn employment income as a tradesperson or apprentice, you may be able to deduct their cost, including any GST, PST, or HST you paid.
  • Tuition tax credit and licensing examination fees
    • Is for those who have paid examination fees required to obtain professional status, licensing, or certification as a tradesperson.
  • Education amount
    • If you have received a tax certificate from your educational institution, you may be able to claim the education amount.
  • Textbook amount
    • If you qualify for either the full-time or part-time education amounts, you may also be able to claim the textbook tax credit.

12) Tools grant

• The Tools Grant is a non-repayable, taxable cash grant for apprentices to use towards the purchase of trade-related tools and equipment. Grant amounts range from $400 to $1,000, depending on the industry.
  • $1,000 - Motive Power Sector
  • $600 - Industrial Sector
  • $600 - Construction Sector
  • $400 for service trades

13) Youth Job Connection Program

• The Youth Job Connection Program (YJC) is a financial incentive that serves youth aged 15 to 29 who experience multiple and/or complex barriers to employment by providing intensive supports beyond traditional job search and placement opportunities. The focus is on gaining experience and employment skills to move toward full-time employment in the desired field of work.