Apprenticeship
Trade careers have a lot going for the skilled men and women who work in them. Many trades offer the right kind of challenge, as they are highly technical, involve lots of math and sciences, and are changing quickly. A trade career can lead to supervision, management, the professional and business entrepreneurship. Pay rates vary, but are generally very good. The aging workforce means an overall increase in future demand for skilled tradespeople. Employers need people with the right skills!
There are many ways to get you through the program financially. Be sure to check out all the options available to you.
FOR STUDENTS:
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Scholarships provide approximately 400 annual Scholarships of $1,000 per year. Check out the numerous ones available on the Apprenticeship and Industry Training site.
RAP – THE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
Earn credits toward your apprenticeship and your high school diploma – at the same time!
Paid career training before you leave school.
For more information visit www.tradesecrets.org or call in Calgary 403-297-6457.
TOOLS TAX DEDUCTION
Canada Revenue offers a tax benefit in the form of the Tradespersons’ Tools Deduction. Apprentices may be able to deduct the cost of eligible tools bought to earn employment income as a skilled tradesperson.
INCENTIVE GRANT
As an apprentice in a Red Seal trade, you get to earn while you learn, but a little extra money can always help.
The Government of Canada provides up to a maximum lifetime amount of $4,000 per person in federal apprenticeship taxable cash grants to help you progress in or complete your apprenticeship training.
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.
To be eligible for the AIG, you must:
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or protected person;
- not be a high school student;
- have the required AIG supporting documents;
- be registered with your provincial/territorial apprenticeship authority as an apprentice in a designated Red Seal trade; and
- provide proof that you have successfully completed either the 1st and/or 2nd year or level (or equivalent) in a designated Red Seal trade.
The deadline to apply is June 30 of the year after you complete the first and/or second year or level.
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Through the Employment Insurance (EI) system, the Government of Canada provides income support to eligible apprentices during periods of technical training. Although all efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of this information, apprentices should consult Service Canada, the official source of information about EI. See also Employment Insurance for Apprentices.
To be considered for EI benefits while attending technical training, apply at the website above as soon as you stop working. If you have applied for, or are receiving EI benefits prior to training, you must complete another application indicating your technical training information.
Apprentices can call 1-800-206-7218 (in Alberta) or visit the Service Canada website.
APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING COURSE SCHEDULE:
2019 – 2020 Apprenticeship Technical Training Schedule
FOR EMPLOYERS:
JOB CREATION TAX CREDIT
The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) is a non-refundable tax credit for an employer that is equal to 10% of the eligible salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices in respect of employment after May 1, 2006. The maximum credit an employer can claim is $2,000 per year for each eligible apprentice.
Canadian Apprenticeship Forum: Return on Investment
Review this document to see why you should be supporting/encouraging your employees on this career path. Involvement creates a healthier industry and benefits everyone overall.