Apprenticeship is “earn while you learn,” but tools, training fees and time away from work during technical training still add up. Several government programs help. Amounts and eligibility rules change, so this guide focuses on what exists and where to confirm the details.
Always check the sourceFor current amounts and eligibility, check Canada.ca, the Canada Revenue Agency, and your provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority before you apply.
Federal supports for apprentices
- Apprenticeship grants. The Government of Canada has offered grants for registered apprentices in Red Seal trades, such as the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (for completing early levels) and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant (for becoming certified), with additional support offered for women in under-represented Red Seal trades. Search “apprenticeship grants” on Canada.ca for the current lineup.
- Canada Apprentice Loan. Interest-free loans for apprentices registered in Red Seal trades to help cover costs during technical training.
- Employment Insurance during technical training. Eligible apprentices may receive EI benefits while attending full-time block training. Apply through Service Canada as soon as you know your training dates.
Tax measures
- Tradesperson's tools deduction — lets employed tradespeople deduct part of the cost of eligible tools bought for work.
- Apprentice mechanic tools deduction — an additional deduction for eligible apprentice vehicle mechanics.
- Labour mobility deduction for tradespeople — helps with certain travel and temporary lodging costs when working away from home.
- Tuition tax credit — fees for eligible technical training and certification exams may qualify.
Keep receipts and records for everything; the CRA's guides explain eligibility in detail.
Supports for employers
- Canadian Apprenticeship Service — a federal initiative that helps small and medium-sized employers hire and train first-year apprentices in Red Seal trades, with added support for hiring apprentices from equity-deserving groups.
- Apprenticeship job creation tax credit — a federal tax credit for employers of eligible apprentices.
- Provincial and territorial programs — many jurisdictions offer their own employer incentives, training subsidies or wage supports.
Provincial, territorial and community supports
- Grants or bursaries for technical training, travel or living costs
- Tuition and fee waivers for certain apprentices
- Tool and equipment allowances through employment programs
- Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) service delivery organizations
- Union training funds and employer tuition reimbursement
- Bursaries from trade associations, foundations and Skills/Compétences Canada-related networks
Funding checklist
- Register as an apprentice — most programs require it.
- Check federal grant eligibility after each level you complete.
- Apply for EI before each block of technical training.
- Keep every tool receipt for tax time.
- Ask your apprenticeship authority and employer about local programs.
This article is general information for people exploring trades careers in Canada. Rules, programs and amounts change and differ between provinces and territories — confirm details with your apprenticeship authority and official government sources.