RESOURCES
Becoming an apprentice in the skilled trades can significantly impact your lifestyle and finances. Whether it's your first full-time job or a career change, you'll earn income but also face additional expenses such as tools, personal protective equipment, travel fees, and books for in-class training.
Both the Federal and Provincial (Ontario) governments offer various grants and tax benefits for apprentices. Eligibility may vary based on trade, progress, and personal characteristics.
We strive to keep you informed about the latest government grants; however, please be aware that these grants may evolve over time. For the most current information on all government grants, we encourage you to visit:
The Tradesperson’s Tools Deduction Tax Credit is a tax deduction on the cost of eligible tools bought during the year employment income was earned as a tradesperson.
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person. Note: AIG will end on March 31, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this date.
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant is a one-time taxable cash grant of $2000 per person for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade. Note: The Apprenticeship Completion Grant will end on March 31, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this date.
The Canada Apprentice Loan provides up to $4000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training in a designated Red Seal Trade. This loan helps cover tuition, tools, equipment, living expenses, forgone wages, or family support.
The Tuition Tax Credit is available for those who have paid examination fees to an educational institution, professional association, provincial ministry, or similar entity required to obtain professional status recognized by federal or provincial statute, or to be licensed or certified as a tradespersons, to allow you to practice the profession or trade in Canada.
The Tools Grant is a non-repayable, taxable cash grant for apprentices to use towards the purchase of trade-related tools and equipment. Grant amounts range from $400 to $1,000, depending on the industry.
The grant amounts are as follows:
- $1,000 - Motive Power Sector
- $600 - Industrial Sector
- $600 - Construction Sector
The Apprentice Development Benefit provides financial assistance for apprentices while they are attending full-time, in-class training at a ministry-approved training delivery agent.
The Apprenticeship Completion Bonus in non-Red Seal trades is a one-time taxable cash grant of $2000 to apprentices who complete the highest level of certification in any Ontario non-Red Seal trade.
This program is offered through Ontario’s 24 Colleges of Applied Arts and Technology to help people with disabilities participate in apprenticeship programs, pre-apprenticeship programs, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Programs.