EHRC — Destination Trade

This grant provides financial support to encourage the creation of new Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for apprentices, aligning with the strategic goal of enhancing workforce capabilities in the electricity industry. The financial incentive aims to reduce the financial burden on employers while facilitating meaningful placements for apprentices.

• Wage subsidies of up to $5,000 to small to mid-sized employers who create new work opportunities for apprentices.
• Monthly financial claims required for reimbursement of wages/salary.
• Funding must directly support work-integrated learning opportunities that would not have been feasible without the grant.
• Financial support is contingent upon the development of a Formal Learning Plan and completion of post-participation surveys.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the employer organization.

• Firms whose primary activity is the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.
• Sector support including renewables, in any of the following areas: R & D, business development, energy efficiency.
• Firms engaged in manufacturing of equipment and the provision of services necessary to generation, transmission or distribution.
• Firms that are a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) – a business establishment with 499 employees or less at the time that it receives funding.

Who is eligible?

Employers in the electricity industry that are small to mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) with 499 employees or less, and engage in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, or related sectors like renewables, research and development, business development, or energy efficiency. Participants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or persons with refugee protection who are registered as third or fourth-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.

Who is not eligible

This grant excludes certain companies based on their primary activities and employment practices. The restrictions ensure that funds are directed towards sectors aligned with the electricity industry's growth and development.

• Companies whose primary activity is not related to the generation, transmission, or distribution of electricity.
• Organizations not involved in sector support such as R & D, business development, or energy efficiency in relation to electricity.
• Firms not engaged in the manufacturing of equipment or provision of services necessary for electricity generation, transmission, or distribution.
• Large enterprises with more than 499 employees.
• Companies intending to recruit and retain friends or family members as participants.
• Employers planning placements that are shorter than 12 weeks, without prior exception discussions.
• Companies having employment arrangements with nepotism, or lacking a sufficient nepotism policy.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant targets specific geographical and sector-based companies across Canada as per EHRC guidelines. The focus is on supporting nationwide representation and development within the energy sector.

• Eligible companies are those involved in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across Canada.
• Firms engaged in renewable energy sectors, research and development, business development, and energy efficiency located in Canada.

Here are additional relevant details for the Destination Trade program:

• The program requires the development of a Formal Learning Plan between the employer and the participant before the start of the placement.
• Employer organizations are required to submit monthly financial claims for reimbursement of wages/salary.
• Both the company and participant must complete post-participation surveys and ongoing monitoring as required.
• The program mandates that placements should generally be at least 12 weeks long, although exceptions can be discussed.
• Successful placements culminate in a contract signed by the employer, participant, and EHRC.