There are many gaps in the skilled trades, from a lack of skilled workers to barriers in the industry. Fortunately, there are incentive programs that can reduce some of these barriers and help your business continue to grow.

We have compiled a list of Federal and Provincial Funding Programs which you can view below.

* Please note: information on funding grants and incentives are accurate at the time of publication are subject to budgetary changes on the part of the funder, as well as application and intake deadlines.

Support Ontario Youth (SOY)
SOY maintains a list of funding and scholarship opportunities which you can access using the listed links

• Federal and Provincial Employer Resources
• Scholarship Opportunities for Apprentices

Federal and Provincial Funding Programs

1) Ontario Financial supports for apprentices and sponsors

2) Apprenticeship Development Benefit (ADB)

• Note: After you click the above link, scroll down to find the ADB 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) Federal 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.

4) Apprenticeship Service (AS)
The Apprenticeship Service supported employers to hire new first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades.

• The Apprenticeship Service is not currently accepting applications.
• Employment & Social Development Canada is working to renew AS.
• Currently, interested parties can find funding opportunities and register to receive notifications.

5) 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 assist with tuition, purchasing tools & equipment, help with living expenses, and to cover forgone wages or to help support an apprentice’s family.

6) Ontario Job Grant

• The Ontario Job Grant (OJG) provides funding to help businesses train their employees and update their skills. It helps employers ensure their workforce has the right skills to adapt to a changing economy.
• Funding for the Ontario Job Grant is provided in part by the Government of Canada through the Canada–Ontario Labour Market Development Agreement
• The Ontario Job Grant supports eligible training costs up to a maximum of $10,000 per trainee, with additional flexibility for small employers.

7) 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.

8) Employment Insurance for apprentices attending trade school

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

9) 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.

10) 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 (Scroll down and click on Employed tradespersons)
    • 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 available to 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.

11) 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

12) 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 work field.