Employers can receive a $5,000 cash incentive to hire first-year apprentices in the 39 Red Seal Trades and an additional $5,000 if the apprentice is from an underrepresented group. Equity-deserving groups include women, Indigenous People, persons with dis

Eligibility criteria

The Empowering Futures Program provides financial incentives of up to $10,000 for employers offering Work-Integrated Learning opportunities. Eligibility criteria include the type of employer organization, participant qualifications, and employment conditions.

Employer Organization Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
Employment Eligibility

Who is eligible

There are eligible types of companies for this grant.

Firms whose primary activity is the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
Companies engaged in manufacturing of equipment and provision of services necessary to electricity generation, transmission, or distribution.
Organizations with sector support including renewables in areas such as R&D, business development, and energy efficiency.
Small or Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with 499 employees or fewer at the time of receiving funding.

Eligible expenses

The Empowering Futures Program provides financial incentives of up to $10,000 to employers who create new Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students and first-year apprentices. Eligible expenses include:

Wages for the position must not be funded by another federally funded program.
The company must provide a full or part-time work opportunity for a student or apprentice.
Employer must not recruit friends or family members to the program.
The placements must be meaningful work-integrated learning opportunities.

Eligible projects & activities

There are projects and activities eligible for this grant. Employers in the electricity industry can create new Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students and first-year apprentices, receiving financial incentives of up to $10,000.

Creating new work-integrated learning opportunities
Offering full or part-time work opportunities for students or first-year apprentices
Engaging in meaningful work-integrated learning experiences

Evaluation & selection criteria

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. Employers and participants are evaluated based on specific requirements to determine eligibility for funding.

Employer Organization Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
Employment Eligibility
Net New Rule
Subsidy Reimbursement for Students

How to apply

Step 1: Review Eligibility Requirements

Check if your organization meets the criteria for employer organization eligibility
Ensure the participants and the nature of employment align with the program's requirements

Step 2: Prepare Necessary Documentation

Gather proof of co-op placement employment, start date, and participant contract
Have information about the placement ready to submit as required

Step 3: Submit Application

Apply for funding through the designated process
Ensure all required documentation is included in the application

Documents and links

EHRC — Apprenticeship Service Program

Apply to this program

Grant Summary:

The Empowering Futures program by Electricity Human Resources Canada provides financial incentives of up to $10,000 to employers who create new Work-Integrated Learning opportunities for students and first-year apprentices in the electricity industry.

Empowering Futures Program Details:

Electricity Human Resources Canada's Empowering Futures Program aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by offering financial incentives to employers who provide work placements for students and first-year apprentices. The program supports organizations in the electricity sector in creating meaningful work experiences for participants, while also helping build a skilled workforce for the future. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria related to their primary activities, while participants need to be registered students or apprentices meeting citizenship and work eligibility requirements. The program covers a range of construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades for apprentices, offering financial incentives based on the type of placement and target demographics such as women, Indigenous people, newcomers, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities.

Employers can receive subsidies for hiring students or apprentices, helping offset costs and supporting the development of a diverse and skilled workforce. The initiative promotes the value of work-integrated learning opportunities and professional skills development while fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders and educational institutions. Empowering Futures encourages employers to provide meaningful, long-term placements that benefit both the participants and the organizations, ultimately contributing to the growth and innovation of the electricity industry in Canada.