Closed
Source verified July 10, 2026
ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program
Support for SMEs to take part in apprenticeship
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
March 31, 2024
Opened October 24, 2022
Location
Canada
Who can apply
Employers with 499 or fewer paid employees can receive the financial support.
See full eligibility
Overview
The Apprenticeship Service provides $5,000 to employers with 499 or fewer paid employees to hire new first-year apprentices in 39 eligible Red Seal trades, and $10,000 if the apprentice is from an equity-deserving group. It supports hiring in skilled trades and may include other supports for participating employers.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Sole proprietorship
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- 499 employees maximum
Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Other Racialized Persons
- 2SLGBTQI+
- Canadians
- Women
Non-profit candidates
Sector of operation
- Employment and Training
- Diversity and Inclusion
Target groups
- Indigenous peoples
- New immigrants & refugees
- People with disabilities
- Women & girls
- LGBTQ+ community
- Business owners / entrepreneurs
- Minority groups
Revenue structures
- All structures
Scope
- All dimensions
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Hiring new first-year apprentices in one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Employers with 499 or fewer paid employees can receive the financial support.
Additional information
- Organizations funded by ESDC also provide other supports to employers to help them take part in apprenticeship.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program Program
What is the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program?
The Apprenticeship Service provides $5,000 to employers with 499 or fewer paid employees to hire new first-year apprentices in 39 eligible Red Seal trades, and $10,000 if the apprentice is from an equity-deserving group. It supports hiring in skilled trades and may include other supports for participating employers.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program was March 31, 2024.
Who is eligible for the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program program?
To be eligible for the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program program, you must:
The applicant must be an employer with 499 or fewer paid employees.
The employer must hire a new first-year apprentice in one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
What expenses are eligible under ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program?
Hiring new first-year apprentices in one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
Who can I contact for more information about the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program?
You can contact Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Where is the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program available?
The ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program program is available across Canada.
Is the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program is a Wage Subsidies And Interns