Closed
ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program
Support for SMEs to take part in apprenticeship
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 5,000 - $ 10,000
Timeline
- Open Date : October 24, 2022
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Location
Canada
Overview
Employers can receive $5,000 in financial support to hire first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal Trades, and an additional $5,000 if the apprentice is from an equity-deserving group.
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Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Attract or retain talent
- Develop workforce skills
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 10,000 $
- Minimum amount : 5,000 $
Timeline
- Open Date : October 24, 2022
- Closing date : March 31, 2024
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Non-profit
- Public or Parapublic institution
- For-profit business
- Sole proprietorship
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
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
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
The Apprenticeship Service grant provides financial support to organizations that work with small and medium-sized employers to hire first-year apprentices in eligible Red Seal trades.
- The service is open to employers with 499 or fewer paid employees across Canada.
- Organizations must support small and medium-sized employers in hiring skilled trades apprentices.
- The program is applicable to apprentices in specific Red Seal trades.
- Additional support is offered if the apprentice is from an equity-deserving group.
Eligible expenses
The Apprenticeship Service provides financial incentives for small and medium-sized employers to hire first-year apprentices in one of the 39 designated Red Seal trades. Employers also receive additional support if they hire apprentices from equity-deserving groups, promoting diversity and inclusion in skilled trades industries.
- Financial support for hiring first-year apprentices in Red Seal trades.
- Increased incentives for hiring apprentices from equity-deserving groups.
- Support mechanisms for employers participating in apprenticeships.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program supports employers by providing financial incentives to hire apprentices, thus fostering skill development in critical trades.
- Equity-deserving groups receive higher financial incentives to promote diversity in skilled trades.
- The initiative aims to enhance the availability of skilled workers in Canada's economy by encouraging apprenticeships in the Red Seal trades.
- The Apprenticeship Service is currently under renewal, indicating potential changes or updates to the program in the future.
- To stay informed about funding opportunities, stakeholders can register for notifications from Employment and Social Development Canada.
Documents and links
Frequently Asked Questions about the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program?
Employers can receive $5,000 in financial support to hire first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal Trades, and an additional $5,000 if the apprentice is from an equity-deserving group.
How much funding can be received?
ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program Funds up to $10,000 of admissible expenses.
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:
Employers with 499 or fewer paid employees can receive the financial support.
The employer must hire first-year apprentices in one of the eligible 39 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