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Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program
Funding for SME apprenticeship intermediaries
Last Update: April 29, 2026
Funding available
$ 72,500,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 3, 2021
- Closing date : September 14, 2021
Location
Canada
Overview
Funding supports organizations that act as intermediaries to help SMEs hire new first-year Red Seal apprentices. Up to $72.5 million per year is available for activities such as distributing incentives, providing business supports, and reporting on results.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop a new program or service
- Enhance an existing program
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 72,500,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : August 3, 2021
- Closing date : September 14, 2021
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Distribute funding to SMEs hiring new first-year apprentices
- Provide supports to help SMEs recruit and retain apprentices
- Promote apprenticeship hiring in construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades
- Monitor activities and report on results
Documents Needed
- Completed application form
- Completed budget detail template
- Attestation section of the application form
- Supporting documents for organizational status and eligibility, if requested
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Unions representing Red Seal trades workers
- Organizations managing training funds for Red Seal trades workers
- Not-for-profit organizations
- For-profit organizations
- Indigenous organizations and provincial or territorial public bodies
Eligible expenses
- Staff wages and employer-related benefits
- Materials, supplies, printing, and communications
- Training, professional development, translation, travel, and hospitality
- Participant costs such as accommodation, childcare, and transportation
- Administrative overhead up to 15%
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Purchase of real property
- Proposal preparation costs
- Entertainment costs
- Costs outside the contribution agreement period
- Fines, penalties, and shipping costs
Eligible geographic areas
- Canada
- Quebec applicants may require provincial approval
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are first screened for eligibility
- Projects are then assessed against program objectives
- Other selection criteria are also considered
- Incomplete applications may be returned for missing information
- A signed funding agreement must be in place before project activities can start
Additional information
- Only one application per organization is considered.
- Organizations in Quebec may need Government of Quebec approval before funding is issued.
- Successful organizations are expected to act as intermediaries until March 31, 2024.
- Administrative costs must stay within the program limit of 15%.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program?
Funding supports organizations that act as intermediaries to help SMEs hire new first-year Red Seal apprentices. Up to $72.5 million per year is available for activities such as distributing incentives, providing business supports, and reporting on results.
How much funding can be received?
Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program Funds up to $72,500,000 of admissible expenses.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was September 14, 2021.
Who is eligible for the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program program?
To be eligible for the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program program, you must:
Established for at least 5 years
SME network in Red Seal trades
Recent financial management experience
What expenses are eligible under Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program?
Distribute funding to SMEs hiring new first-year apprentices
Provide supports to help SMEs recruit and retain apprentices
Promote apprenticeship hiring in construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades
Monitor activities and report on results
Who can I contact for more information about the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) by email at EDSC.SA-AS.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca.
Where is the Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program available?
The Apply for funding to become an intermediary under the Apprenticeship Service Program program is available across Canada.