Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program

Q: How much funding can be received?

Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program Funds up to 10000% of admissible expenses.

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2024.

Q: Is the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program?

Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program is funded by Colleges and Institutes Canada

Q: Who is eligible for the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program?

To be eligible for the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program, you must: • Employers with 499 or fewer paid employees • Must hire new first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program?

You can contact Colleges and Institutes Canada.

Q: Where is the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program available?

The Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program is available across Canada.

Q: Are women eligible for the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program.

Last Update: July 22, 2025

Canada

Financial incentive for employers in construction and manufacturing

At a glance

Eligible Funding

From $5,000 to $10,000

Timeline

Open Date : January 1, 2023
Closing date : March 31, 2024

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Construction
Manufacturing

Funds Providers

Colleges and Institutes Canada

Program status

archived

Overview

Employers can receive $5,000 to hire a first-year apprentice and $5,000 more for an equity-deserving apprentice, in one of the 39 Red Seal construction or manufacturing trades. Equity-deserving groups include women, Indigenous people, persons with disabil

Financing terms and conditions

$5,000 financial incentive for each eligible new first-year apprentice hired.
$10,000 financial incentive for each eligible new first-year apprentice hired from an equity-deserving group.

Activities funded

Hiring first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.
Hiring first-year apprentices from equity-deserving groups to promote workplace diversity.
Participating in initiatives to create more inclusive and supportive environments within the skilled trades sectors.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Employ a first-year apprentice to support an HVAC installation

$ 10,000

Hire a first-year apprentice with disability for a plumbing project

$ 10,000

Engage a first-year female apprentice in a welding project

$ 10,000

Hire two first-year apprentices for a woodworking project

$ 10,000

Engage an equity-deserving apprentice for a welding project

$ 10,000

Hire a first-year apprentice from an Indigenous group for an electrical project

Eligibility

The applicant must be a small or medium-sized business with 499 or fewer paid employees.
The company must be hiring new first-year apprentices in one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.

Who is eligible?

Small and medium-sized construction businesses
Small and medium-sized manufacturing businesses

Eligible expenses

Financial incentives for hiring new first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.
Increased financial incentives for hiring apprentices from equity-deserving groups.

Eligible geographic areas

Businesses operating anywhere in Canada.

Selection criteria

Financial incentives for small and medium-sized employers in construction and manufacturing sectors
Hiring first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades
Promoting equitable work and learning opportunities for all Canadians
Preference for apprentices who self-identify as members of eligible equity-deserving groups
Specific focus on women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Total of 5,360 apprentices benefiting over two years, with 1,300 from equity-deserving groups

How to apply

Registration on the portal

Register your organization on the dedicated funding agency portal.
Create a user account to access grant services.

Review of criteria

Check your company's and apprentices' eligibility against the mentioned criteria, such as the number of employees and eligible trades.
Confirm that you meet the specifics of underrepresented groups to qualify for additional funding.

Preparation of documentation

Prepare the necessary documents, such as proof of employment and company documents.
Gather information related to newly hired apprentices, including their membership in underrepresented groups, if applicable.

Submission of the application

Access the online application form via the portal.
Fill in all mandatory sections of the form with accurate and complete information.
Attach all required supporting documents.
Submit the application before the deadline set by the agency.

Follow-up and confirmation

Receive receipt confirmation via email once the application is submitted.
Note the application tracking number for future reference.

Additional information

This program concluded in March 2024 and is no longer accepting new applications.
CICan collaborated with multiple colleges and institutes to promote diversity and inclusion in the skilled trades workforce.
Employers benefited from access to resources and tools aimed at creating more inclusive workplaces.

Documents and links

Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Career Launcher Apprenticeship 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.