Why hire a FEMALE APPRENTICE

Traditionally, the skilled trades have been considered a male profession - an outdated view that contributes to the current under-representation of women in the trades and amplifies the shortage of workers in the skilled trades. The reality is that the skilled trades are for anyone regardless of gender, and female apprentices can provide a range of benefits. Understanding this has led to many employers realizing it's time to move on from stereotypes and employ a more diverse workforce.

More women are pursuing career paths in non-conventional industries, and more businesses are welcoming them and reaping the benefits provided by a diverse workforce.

Financial Support for Employers

With the current shortage of workers in the skilled trades only expected to get worse, governments and businesses recognize that encouraging and increasing female participation is an integral part of the solution to help address the skilled trades gap. Some of this additional support takes the form of additional financial incentives for employers who hire, train, and retain female apprentices.

Operated and funded by the Ontario Government, the Achievement Incentive Grant provides $1,000+ for every red seal apprentice they employ who achieves a 'milestone' - successful completion of each level of classroom training. Since April 2022, these funds have been increased by an additional $1,000 if the apprentice is under 25, and a further $1,000 if the apprentice is from an under-represented demographic in the trades, such as being female. Additional funding is also provided to employers for registering a brand-new apprentice who is under 25 and/or from an under-represented group. This means an employer can receive between $1,000 and $3,000 per milestone, per apprentice. Assuming a trade with 3 levels of classroom training, this represents $17,000 in employer funding for registering and training a female apprentice under 25 over the course of her apprenticeship.