GATINEAU, QUEBEC - February 7th, 2011: To encourage young Canadians to pursue a career in the skilled trades, the Government of Canada launched an advertising campaign on apprenticeship grants for those enrolled in training in one of the 53 designated Red Seal trades.
"Certified journeypersons are highly skilled employees who contribute to Canada's economic growth," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development. "By providing apprenticeship grants, we are encouraging Canadians to choose the trades and complete their apprenticeship."
Two types of apprenticeship grants are available:
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant offers apprentices a $1,000 grant when they complete the first and/or second year or level of their apprenticeship program (up to a maximum of $2,000).
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant offers an additional $2,000 to apprentices who complete their training and become certified journeypersons.
For example, Jason Langlois, an apprentice who completed his training in carpentry last year, received $4,000 in apprenticeship grants. They helped offset the cost of his training and provided him with the funds to buy the tools he needed to start his own business. "Carpentry has opened up a world of career opportunities for me," he says. "It gives you something you can be proud of because not just anyone can do what you do."
Another example is Dana Hawkes, a construction electrician, who also received the Apprenticeship Completion Grant of $2,000 when she completed her training. "Completing my apprenticeship training and becoming a certified Red Seal journeyperson has opened many doors for me. I have enjoyed working in Alberta, Saskatchewan and B.C. in many different sectors. It also gave me confidence in my ability to work as a construction electrician," she says.
For more information, please contact:
Human Resources and
Skills Development Canada
Media Relations Office
819-994-5559
