ESDC — Apprenticeship Service Program
Canada
Support for SMEs to take part in apprenticeship
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateOctober 24, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateMarch 31, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Wage Subsidies And Interns
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Construction
- Manufacturing
grant_single|grantors
- Government of Canada
- Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC)
grant_single|status
grant_card_status|closed
grant_single_labels|preview
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.
grant_single_labels|projects
Here are some eligible projects or activities for the Apprenticeship Service grant:
- Hiring new first-year apprentices in 39 Red Seal trades
- Providing hands-on work experience for first-year apprentices in skilled trades
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$10,000
Providing work experience for a first-year electrical apprentice
$10,000
Hiring a first-year carpenter apprentice for a social enterprise
$10,000
Hiring a first-year construction electrician apprentice for a non-profit organization
$5,000
Hiring a first-year culinary apprentice for a high-end restaurant
$5,000
Hiring a first-year automotive service technician apprentice for a garage
$5,000
Offering a hands-on experience for a first-year plumber apprentice
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to employer size and sector participation.
- The employer must have 499 or fewer paid employees.
- The employer must be hiring apprentices in one of the 39 eligible Red Seal trades.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
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.
grant_eligibility_criteria|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.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant:
- Educational background and training of the apprenticeship applicant
- Employer's commitment to supporting the apprentice's development
- Potential impact of the apprenticeship on the apprentice's career
- Evidence of the employer's capacity to provide a suitable work environment for the apprentice
grant_single_labels|register
As the Apprenticeship Service is not currently accepting applications, there are no specific steps available for this process. Here are some general steps you can follow to stay updated:
- Step 1: Monitor Updates
- Visit the Employment and Social Development Canada website regularly for updates on when applications will reopen.
- Check for any announcements regarding changes to the Apprenticeship Service.
- Step 2: Register for Notifications
- Sign up on the Employment and Social Development Canada website to receive notifications about funding opportunities.
- Ensure your contact information is accurate to receive timely updates.
- Step 3: Prepare Documentation
- Begin gathering necessary documentation such as records of your organization's size and previous apprenticeship hiring details.
- Familiarize yourself with the eligibility criteria for small and medium-sized employers and the Red Seal trades.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
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.
Apply to this program
Supporting Skilled Trades Through the Apprenticeship Service
The Apprenticeship Service by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) offers funding to aid small and medium-sized employers in hiring first-year apprentices across various Red Seal trades. This initiative is currently undergoing renewal and aims to enhance workforce experience for apprentices and support employers with financial incentives especially for hiring from equity-deserving groups.
Detailed Insights into the Apprenticeship Service Grant Program
The Apprenticeship Service is a key element in Canada's strategy to strengthen its skilled trades sector by incentivizing the hiring of new first-year apprentices. Managed by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), this program is designed to offer both financial and structural support to SMEs within the trades sector, ensuring apprentices receive valuable on-the-job experience while also alleviating the cost burdens faced by smaller businesses.
Currently under modification, the program aims to re-launch with potentially more robust features. It was previously focused on funding intermediary organizations that liaise with employers to facilitate hiring and retention in over 39 Red Seal trades. These trades range from Boilermaker to Welder, encompassing a wide array of critical roles that are integral to the country's industrial and construction landscapes. This breadth of coverage ensures that the Apprenticeship Service addresses labor gaps in areas that are fundamental to Canada's economic infrastructure.
Financial incentives form the crux of this service, with eligible employers receiving $5,000 for each new first-year apprentice hired. However, in an effort to champion diversity and inclusion, ESDC offers an increased incentive of $10,000 for hiring apprentices from groups that typically face barriers in employment, such as women, Indigenous peoples, and newcomers, among others. This not only promotes a more equitable workforce but also enhances the talent pool by integrating varied perspectives and skills within the trades.
By targeting employers with 499 or fewer employees, the program aligns with the strategic goal of empowering SMEs, which form the backbone of Canada's economy. Supporting these businesses is crucial, as they collectively contribute to a significant portion of the job market and economic activity. Through the Apprenticeship Service, ESDC provides vital resources to SMEs helping them overcome initial hiring difficulties, fostering a robust network of skilled tradespeople who are ready to meet the demands of various industries.
The initiative situates itself as part of the larger Red Seal Program, which standardizes skills across trades to ensure high competence levels across provinces and territories. This standardization not only facilitates job mobility within Canada but also supports the country's reputation for high-quality craftsmanship internationally.
It is anticipated that the renewed program will further enhance the apprenticeship landscape, potentially expanding its scope to encompass additional trades or increase the support available to employers. Such expansions are critical in keeping pace with evolving industry needs and technological advancements that influence skill requirements.
While the application portal remains closed during this renewal period, businesses are encouraged to stay informed by subscribing to notifications about funding opportunities. This proactive approach ensures that potential applicants are ready to engage with the revamped framework once it reopens, positioning them advantageously to leverage available resources.
Overall, the Apprenticeship Service is not just a funding mechanism but a strategic investment into the future workforce of Canada. By combining financial incentives with a strong emphasis on diversity and skills standardization, it plays a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and inclusive trades sector that can adapt to challenges and drive sustainable economic growth in the years ahead.
