How to apply
Once you’ve read the instructions on how to answer the application questions and gathered your supporting documents, as mentioned on the Prepare to Apply page, you’re ready to apply.
Applications are accepted starting March 19, 2025, and will continue to be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applications will be assessed as they are submitted. Funding decisions will be made on an ongoing basis following Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) standard timelines. Funding decisions c an take up to 4 to 6 months.
On this page
Apply now
While we recommend submitting your application through GCOS, you can also apply by email or mail.
Through GCOS
Use the Grants and Contributions Online Services (GCOS) to apply:
- Answer all the questions directly in the application
- The questions in the online form are not numbered, but they are in the same order as the How to answer the application questions section
- Download and fill the Budget Detail Template form
- Upload your Budget Detail Template and other supporting documents, listed in the section Prepare your documents, in the GCOS application
If you don't have a GCOS account, create one as soon as possible. You can submit your application as soon as you complete your GCOS user and organization profile. Once your GCOS user and organization profile are completed, you can immediately submit your application. Once your application is submitted, you must finalize your GCOS account as soon as possible to ensure you are fully registered and benefit from all the advantages.
Find out more about the GCOS account registration process.
Confirmation of receipt
If you apply through GCOS, you’ll receive an acknowledgment immediately and a tracking number.
By email or mail
To apply by email or mail, download and complete the application form and budget detail template.
Email your complete application package to the email address below:
EDSC.SCA.EQUIP.MAT-EQUIP.MAT.CAS.ESDC@canada.gc.ca
Confirmation of receipt
If you apply by email, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt by email.
By mail
Your application should be mailed to the address below. Note additional administrative delays might apply.
Mailing address:
Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy - Investments in Training Equipment
Coordination Unit, Mailstop 402
National Grants & Contributions Delivery Centre (ESDC)
140 Promenade du Portage, Phase IV, 4th Floor
Gatineau QC K1A 0J9
If you submit your application by mail, you will receive an acknowledgment by email within 14 days of its receipt. The acknowledgment will be sent to the email address provided in your application.
About PDFs
Our application form uses PDF form technology. You must have a PDF reader installed to use the form correctly. There are several readers available on the Internet for free that support our form:
- Adobe Reader (you must use a version of Adobe Reader 8 or higher, for example Adobe Acrobat DC Reader)
- Foxit Reader
If you do not use the recommended readers (Adobe Acrobat 8 or higher or Foxit Reader), ESDC may receive a blank application from you.
Downloading the application form
- Make sure that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 8 or higher or Foxit Reader installed on your system
- Select the Application form
- When prompted to open or save the form, select the down arrow on the “Save” button, and select “Save as”
- Select your folder location and save (file type must be PDF)
- Reopen the form from your computer:
- select the “Open with” option
- choose option to open with either Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit
- Make sure that the form opens in one of the Reader Softwares (Adobe or Foxit), by looking at the top of your screen. For example, you should see:
- ESDC-EMP XXXX.pdf (SECURED) – Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
- ESDC-EMP XXXX.pdf (SECURED) – Foxit PhantomPDF
- Begin inputting and save your information
- Before submitting your application make sure that the Application form is completed, and all information has saved properly
Moving within a form
To move from one field to the next on the form, hit “Tab”. This ensures that you do not accidently skip over any fields.
Forms that perform calculations
Some sections of the form perform calculations based on the amounts you enter. It’ll automatically calculate totals in the appropriate fields. You’re responsible for the completeness and accuracy of any information submitted. Please double-check all data you enter.
Submit only one copy of your application package
Submitting multiple copies of the same application or submitting the same application by using various methods will cause longer processing times for your application.
Eligible organizations can submit more than one application per fiscal year, however, priority will be given to a variety of organizations before an organization is funded more than once per fiscal year.
Eligible organizations can submit more than one application throughout the continuous intake, however they can receive up to a total of $5,000,000 per fiscal year.
When you'll get a funding decision
As this is a continuous intake, applications will be assessed as they are submitted. Funding decisions will be made on an ongoing basis following ESDC standard timelines and can take up to 4-6 months.
You should not start your project activities until you hear from us. Any purchases made prior to an agreement being signed by both parties will not be eligible for funding.
If you apply through GCOS, you will be able to track the status of your application throughout the process.
Not all submitted applications will be selected for funding. Please note that decisions are final and there’s no appeal process.
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