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Financial Assistance

A number of financial assistance alternatives are available for individuals interested in pursuing apprenticeship training. A summary of these alternatives are as follows:

• Funding Available for Training
  • Employment Insurance (E.I.) Benefits
  • Government Sponsored Student Loans
• Funding Available for Employment
  • Work Experience and Employment Programs
  • NL Wage Subsidies
• Scholarships
• Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

 

Funding Available for Training

Employment Insurance (E.I.) Benefits

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) may provide temporary financial assistance to individuals attending apprenticeship training. Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits are available for individuals while attending apprenticeship training if they have worked sufficient hours to establish an E.I. claim and meet other specific criteria. E.I. provides temporary income support to apprentices during periods of classroom training.

For more information on E.I. benefits, visit the HRSDC website or contact the nearest HRSDC office.

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Government Sponsored Student Loans

For students that are not E.I. eligible, obtaining government sponsored student loans are another option.

If a student loan is your only option there are a number of things you MUST consider:

• Eligibility is not automatic - you must demonstrate financial need.
• It is important to submit an application at least 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the program to determine if you qualify and how much assistance you will get.
• There is a limit to the amount of loan you can obtain and in many instances the loan itself may not cover the full costs of your program.

To be eligible for interest free loans for full-time study under the federal and provincial student loans programs, a student must:

• be a Canadian citizen, or have Permanent Resident Status (Landed Immigrant);
• be a resident of the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador;
• demonstrate insufficient financial resources to meet assessed need;
• not be in default on previous federal and/or provincial student loans, or have outstanding accounts receivable with the Student Financial Services Division; and
• be enrolled in a program of study of at least 12 weeks in duration leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

For further information on the Student Loans program, please visit http://www.gov.nl.ca/studentaid/ or contact the Student Financial Services Division:

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Funding Available for Employment

When the employer is willing to provide a job to graduates from post-secondary training programs, but needs financial assistance, funding may be available through various Government departments and agencies.

The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment offers the following wage-subsidy programs designed to help post-secondary graduates secure valuable work experience in their field of study. These programs will not result in the displacement of existing employees, or employees who are on lay-off, recall or absent because of work stoppage or labour/management dispute.

• Work Experience and Employment Programs
• NL Wage Subsidies

Further information on employer incentive programs is available from local offices of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada , or the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.

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Scholarships

Scholarships are another funding alternative to help supplement your post-secondary education and training.

For high school students, it is important to talk to a guidance counsellor and to also check with the post-secondary institution you will be attending.

For further information on post-secondary scholarships that may be available to you, please visit Scholarships to find out more.

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Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

What is the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)?

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year. It is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year or level of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.

Specifically, the AIG is meant to:

• help cover some of the tuition, travel and tool costs
• encourage apprentices to complete their apprenticeship program
• and obtain their Red Seal, which provides the mobility to apply their skills and knowledge anywhere in Canada

For additional information and to download application form go to: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/index.shtml.

What information do I need to include with my application?

Proof of Apprenticeship Registration: Apprentice ID "wallet" card.

Proof of Apprenticeship Progression: Letter from the Department of Education, Industrial Training Section.

Office Locations and Contact Number

General enquiries about the program can be directed to Service Canada via their web at www.servicecanada.gc.ca or via a local Service Canada Centre. Apprentices can now contact Service Canada by phone at 1-866-742-3644 or 1-866-909-9757 (for the hearing impaired).

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