Government of Ontario offers support for trainers of apprentices

The Government of Ontario has introduced the new Achievement Incentive Program and expanded the Apprenticeship Capital Grant. These programs, along with the Group Sponsorship Grant, provide support to trainers of apprentices.

“Through these programs our government is supporting this important training pipeline, creating the next generation of our skilled workers and providing more young people with opportunity to get good jobs in their communities.” Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development

Achievement Incentive Program

The program will provide over 11,000 employers with up to $4,000 in funding per apprentice as they reach key training milestones. For example, a hair salon, restaurant, childcare centre or auto body shop could receive a $1,000 payment once their apprentice reaches a new in-class training level or receives the highest level of trade certification. The intent of the program is to encourage more small businesses to participate in apprenticeship programs.

Apprentice training and certification milestones include:

• $1,000 payments for each level of in-class training completed by the apprentice, up to a maximum of 3 levels; and
• an additional $1,000 payment once the apprentice achieves the highest level of trade certification in their respective trade.

Eligible employers and group sponsors will be notified by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development when their apprentices complete a milestone. They will receive a web-link to apply online.

Group Sponsorship Grant

The Group Sponsorship Grant gives up to $1,000,000 annually to encourage employers to come together using a group sponsorship arrangement to hire and train apprentices. In a group sponsorship arrangement, employers share apprenticeship management and training responsibilities. The program provides grants over a maximum of three years.

Prospective, new and existing group sponsors may apply for funding by submitting a business case application. Applications must demonstrate the ability of the group sponsor to complete key activities that align with program objectives.

Apprenticeship Capital Grant

The Government of Ontario is investing more money into the Apprenticeship Capital Grant. The Grant helps colleges, unions and apprentice training providers to upgrade their equipment and facilities to ensure apprentices are learning and using state-of-the-art infrastructure during their in-class training. Examples include new virtual reality training equipment and simulators, new tools or upgraded accessibility supports, all of which help apprentices acquire the skills they need to be job ready.