Incentives / Grants
Apprenticeship Scholarship/Employer Signing Bonus

A $1,000 scholarship is available for a young person (16-24) who returns to and completes upgrading to qualify and registers as an apprentice.

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
The AIG is a taxable cash grant of $1000 per year. It is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year or level of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades. You can apply for the grant if you have completed your in-school technical and on-the-job training for the first or second year (level) of your apprenticeship program on or after January 1, 2007. To apply for the first level grant, you must have been registered as an apprentice for at least 12 months and for the second level grant you must have been registered as an apprentice for at least 24 months. Click here for more information.

What information/documents do I need to apply?

1. Completed AIG application form

2. You will need to provide documentation that shows proof of registration. Note that proof of registration is defined by the province or territory in which you are registered as an apprentice. You will need to provide documentation that demonstrates completion of year (level) one or year (level) two. As of February 2009, the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) will issue a "Confirmation of In-school Training" letter to Red Seal Apprentices once grade reports have been submitted by the College or other Apprenticeship Training Delivery Agent. Once results are received indicating that an apprentice has successfully completed their in-school training level (Level 1 or Level 2) with the MTCU by the College or approved Training Delivery Agent a "Confirmation of In-school Training" letter will be issued.

3. Copy of both sides of the registration wallet card provided by the MTCU

In addition, you will also need to indicate the name(s) of your employer(s), contact information, start and end dates of employment for each full time job you have during the year and for which you are applying. This information may be confirmed by Service Canada.

If you have successfully completed a government sponsored Pre-apprenticeship Program at Conestoga College after January 1, 2007, you may also be entitled to the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. The local Apprenticeship Client Services Branch will provide you with the appropriate documentation once you have completed your program.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is a $2,000 taxable cash grant designed to encourage apprentices registered in a designated Red Seal trade to complete their apprenticeship program and receive their certification. Apprentices will be able to apply for the ACG in July 2009 with eligibility made retroactive to January 1, 2009.

The completion grant will be offered to apprentices who complete their training, become certified journey persons in a designated Red Seal trade and who obtain either the Red Seal endorsement or a provincial or territorial Certificate of Qualification.

Applications will only be available through Service Canada in July 2009 and more information will be available at that time.
Loans for Tools

The Loans for Tools program offers new apprentices a loan to help them buy the tools and equipment they need to perform the trade in which they are registered. The loan, which is interest-free for the duration of an apprentice’s training, allows participants to invest in their own skills training – giving them a stake in making it work. The loans vary depending on each sector.

Tradesperson Tool Deduction
The new tradesperson's tools deduction provides employed tradespersons with an annual deduction of up to $500 to help cover the cost of new tools necessary to their trade. The deduction applies to the total cost of eligible tools if the following conditions are met:

* the total cost exceeds $1,000;
* the tools were bought after May 1, 2006;
* the purchase was made by an employed tradesperson

You will be able to claim the new tradesperson's tools deduction as part of your total employment expenses deduction on line 229 of your income tax return. To support your claim, you will also need to attach a completed Form T777, Statement of Employment Expenses, to your income tax return. Your employer will have to complete and sign Form T2200, Declaration of Conditions of Employment, to certify that you are required to provide these tools as a condition of, and for use in, your employment.