Backgrounder: Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training

Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training

The Government is investing $11 million in the Flexibility and Innovation in Apprenticeship Technical Training pilot project. This pilot funds third-party organizations to test innovative and flexible approaches to improve access to apprenticeship training and increase completion rates.

This involves working with organizations to look at different styles of learning and alternative forms of training delivery to help apprentices complete their technical training and obtain a journeyperson certificate of qualification. Some examples include simulator training, mobile classrooms and e-learning modules. A total of 11 projects have been approved for funding.

Other supports for apprentices

The Government of Canada provides a range of supports to help apprentices complete their training and become certified journeypersons. In addition to these incentives, the Government is also supporting and enhancing partnerships with provinces, unions, employers and training providers in order to strengthen apprenticeship training systems so that apprentices can get the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.

The Canada Apprentice Loan: Apprentices can get up to $4,000 per period of Red Seal technical training. Apprentices can use the money to pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, cover forgone wages or help support their families.

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant: Registered apprentices can receive $1,000 after completing the first and/or second year or level (or equivalent) of their apprenticeship program in a designated Red Seal trade, up to a maximum of $2,000.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant: Registered apprentices who successfully complete their training and become certified journeypersons in a Red Seal trade can get $2,000.

Employment Insurance (EI) benefits: Apprentices may be eligible for EI benefits while they attend technical training if they have worked enough hours and satisfy all other eligibility requirements to establish an EI claim.

Tax credits and deductions: Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction (including tools deductions for eligible apprentice mechanics) and Tuition Tax Credit for Certification and Licensing Examination Fees.

Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit: Employers can receive a tax credit of up to $2,000 for wages paid in the first two years of an apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade.