Business · Economy · 1 hr ago
Canada plans new support to help trades apprentices complete training
Apprentices in Canada split their training between paid work and classroom study.
During classroom training, they receive employment insurance, which can be much less than their usual pay.
The federal government estimates Canada will need 1.4 million new trades workers by 2033 to replace retirees and meet demand for major projects.
Apprenticeship enrolments reached more than 101,500 in 2024, but fewer than 47,000 apprentices earned certification that year.
In 2024, 49.2 per cent had not yet become certified by the expected end of their programs.
Starting in spring 2027, apprentices will be eligible for an extra $400 a week during classroom learning, and a $5,000 completion bonus for Red Seal trades is being restored.
The government will also offer small and medium employers up to $10,000 for each first-year Red Seal apprentice they hire.
Canada plans new financial support to help apprentices complete their training and address a shortage of skilled trades workers.
Starting in spring 2027, apprentices will receive an extra $400 a week while they are in classroom training.
The government is bringing back a $5,000 completion bonus for Red Seal trades and offering employers up to $10,000 for each first-year Red Seal apprentice they hire.
Apprenticeship enrolments reached a record high of more than 101,500 in 2024, but completions remained below prepandemic levels.
The federal government estimates Canada will need 1.4 million new trades workers by 2033.
- Who
- The federal government is introducing support for trades apprentices and employers hiring apprentices.
- What
- The measures include a $400 weekly top-up during classroom training, a $5,000 completion bonus for Red Seal trades and employer payments of up to $10,000 per first-year Red Seal apprentice.
- When
- The top-up is set to begin in spring 2027. The article was published on October 12, 2026.
- Where
- Canada.
- Why
- Financial challenges can make it difficult for apprentices to complete training, while Canada faces a shortage of skilled trades workers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The $5,000 apprenticeship completion bonus for Red Seal trades was scrapped.
The Globe and Mail reported that the government was bringing back the completion bonus and planning new apprentice supports.
Apprentices are set to begin receiving a $400 weekly top-up for in-class learning.
- Weekly classroom top-up
- $400, starting spring 2027
- Red Seal completion bonus
- $5,000
- Employer support
- Up to $10,000 for each first-year Red Seal apprentice hired
- Apprenticeship enrolments
- More than 101,500 in 2024
- Expected workforce need
- 1.4 million new trades workers by 2033
What people are saying
I was taking care of my grandmother and myself, I didn’t have a lot to fall back on
A lot of apprentices that I’ve met are 30 and above and are wanting to get into the trades but they’re struggling with it. They can’t afford to go into school for a two-month period.
Sources
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