Incentives

There are several projections for the shortage of skilled trade labor on the federal and provincial level. The government, on all levels, have provided various incentives to both employers and apprentices in order to fill this gap.

Note: Supports for apprentices and employers/sponsors are currently being reviewed. Visit the Government of Ontario’s web page for more information and ongoing updates.

Incentives for Apprentices

For apprentices, apart from having the unique ability to earn while you learn there are also several financial incentives provided by the government to offset the cost of education. Some of the incentives available are:

  • Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG): This is a taxable cash grant of $1000 per year/level. There is a maximum amount of $2000 for apprentices. This is available to apprentices who have completed their first year and second year or level of an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade
  • Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG): This is a taxable cash grant of a Lifetime amount of $2,000 for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journey person certification in a designated Red Seal Trade
  • Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women (AIG-W): This is a relatively new incentive to support women to enter, progress, and complete their trainings in Red Seal trades. This is a taxable cash grant of $3000per year/level up to a maximum amount of $6000 per person
  • Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction: This provides employed tradespeople with an annual deduction of up to $500 to cover the cost of new tools necessary for their trades.
  • Loans for Tools: Apprentices have the ability to take an interest free loan of $800 to buy tools that are necessary for their apprenticeship
  • Tuition Tax Credit: You may be eligible for a tuition tax credit if you had to pay examination fees to allow you to practice in your trade in Canada
  • Canada Apprentice Loan: Apprentices can apply for Up to $4,000 in interest-free loans to help cover expenses or support their families during periods of technical training
  • Apprenticeship Completion Bonus (non-Red Seal): This $2,000 taxable cash grant is available to those who are out of high school and have completed their training in a non-Red Seal trade.

Visit the Government of Canada website for additional information.

Incentives for Employers

For employers, the government has made tax credits available in order to help offset the cost of training and encourage employers to take on new apprentices. Some of the incentives available are:

  • Canada Ontario Job Grant (COJG): This provides direct financial support to employers who would like to purchase training for their apprentices
  • Apprentice Employer Signing Bonus: This is a bonus of up to $2000 for employers who hire, register, and train an apprentice
  • Employer Apprentice Completion Bonus: Employers are eligible for a cash grant once their apprentices have completed all required trainings (classroom and on the job) and have received their final certifications (this could be the Certification of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification)
  • Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit: This is applicable to employers who have apprentices that registered in an apprenticeship program on or before November 14, 2017. Employers will continue to be eligible to receive the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit for these apprentices for up to 36 months
  • Apprentice Job Creation Tax Credit (Red Seal Trades Only): This is a non-refundable tax credit that equals to 10% of the eligible salary/wages that is payable to apprentices with respect to employment
  • Co-operative Education Tax Credit: Employers may be eligible for this if they hire a student enrolled in a co-operative education program at a recognized Ontario university or college. There is a maximum credit of $3000 per work placement
  • Achievement Incentive Program: Helps employers train apprentices by reducing some of the cost of training. supports apprentice progression by giving grant payments to employers when their apprentices reach major milestones. The program offers up to $17,000 to eligible employers when apprentices meet training and certification milestones.

Please contact your local Employment Ontario apprenticeship office for more information about available supports and incentives.

Build ON Employment Consultants are specialized in the skilled trades and they are equipped to assist you with your preparations. REGISTER TODAY to get connected with an employment consultant to assist with as you navigate all the incentives for the Skilled Trades.