Native Women’s Association of Canada — National Apprenticeships Program

The Native Women’s Association of Canada’s National Apprenticeship Program provides financial incentives to employers engaging with Indigenous women, Two-Spirit, transgender, and gender-diverse apprentices. Funding is structured to support hiring and training in Red Seal Trades.

• Initial funding of $10,000 for hiring a new, first-year apprentice in a Red Seal Trade.
• Maximum financial incentive of $20,000 for the creation of up to two new positions per year.

Eligibility for this grant is determined by the business's ability to meet certain criteria that ensure a supportive environment for the apprenticeship.

• The business must have 499 or fewer paid employees.
• The business must have the facilities and equipment to adequately transfer skills to the apprentice(s).
• The business must be able to meet any regulations applying to their trade, such as wage rates and ratios.

Who is eligible?

Eligible types of companies for this grant include:

• Small and medium sized businesses

Who is not eligible

Some types of companies are not eligible for this grant. Only the following types are eligible:

• Small and medium sized businesses

Eligible expenses

The grant provides financial incentives to support the onboarding and training of newly hired apprentices in specific trades.

• Initial financial incentive for hiring a new, first-year apprentice in a Red Seal Trade.
• Support for ensuring a culturally safe integration of the apprentice.
• Assistance in reducing the cost of training apprentices.
• Financial support for apprenticeship progression.

There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:

• Business must be a small or medium-sized enterprise
• Positions must be for first-year Red Seal Apprentices
• Priority given to businesses that prioritize diversity and inclusion

Additional relevant details about the NWAC's NAP job board:

• NWAC's NAP aims to address labor shortages while promoting cultural diversity and inclusion.
• The program encourages employers to ensure a culturally safe work environment for apprentices.
• Funding can be applied to a maximum of two positions per year, creating significant opportunities for participating apprentices.