Closed
Source verified July 23, 2026
ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program
Support for SMEs to take part in apprenticeship
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
Funding available
$ 5,000
Deadline
Closed
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.
Receipt of requests is now closed
Get notified about updates to this grant.
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.
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
Who are the financial supporters of the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program?
ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program is funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)