How much funding can be received?

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

The Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program provides financial incentives to support employers in hiring new first-year apprentices, thus addressing the skilled trades worker shortage and promoting diversity.

Employers receive a $5,000 incentive for each eligible new first-year apprentice hired.
An increased incentive of $10,000 is provided if the apprentice hired is from an equity-deserving group such as women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous people, members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities, racialized communities, and newcomers.

Eligible projects & activities

The Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program facilitated opportunities for small and medium-sized construction and manufacturing businesses to hire and train first-year apprentices. The initiative supported various activities focused on workforce diversity and inclusivity in skilled trades.

Provision of financial incentives for hiring first-year apprentices in eligible skilled trades.
Development and dissemination of resources and tools for creating inclusive workplaces.
Implementation of strategies to promote recruitment and retention of apprentices from equity-deserving groups.
Collaboration with colleges and institutes to enhance training frameworks supporting diverse talent in the trades.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 10,000

Engage a first-year female apprentice in a welding project

$ 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

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 criteria of the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program

This program has specific eligibility criteria concerning employer size and the type of trades involved.

The employer must have 499 or fewer paid employees.
The apprenticeship must be in one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.

Who is eligible?

Small and medium-sized employers in construction
Small and medium-sized employers in manufacturing sectors

Eligible expenses

The grant provides financial support for specific expenses associated with hiring first-year apprentices in eligible trades.

Financial incentives for employers hiring new first-year apprentices.
Increased financial incentives for hiring apprentices from equity-deserving groups.

Eligible geographic areas

This program allowed companies from across Canada to apply for its incentives. The geographical scope aimed to address worker shortages and enhance diversity nationwide.

All provinces and territories in Canada.

Eligibility criteria of the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program

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 to the Career Launcher Apprenticeship Program program

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

Financial incentives for small and medium-sized employers in construction and manufacturing sectors
Promotes equitable work and learning opportunities for all Canadians
$10,000 available to hire a first-year apprentice from an equity-deserving group
$5,000 available if the apprentice is not from an equity-deserving group
5,360 apprentices will benefit over two years, including 1,300 from equity-deserving groups
Eligible equity-deserving groups include women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, and 2SLGBTQI+ people
Funded by the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service Program