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Apprentice Subsidies for Employers

Subsidies to help you support your apprentices today for a stronger electrical sector tomorrow.

As part of our Employer Engagement Program (EEP) funded by the Government of Ontario, our Apprentice Subsidies provide financial support to help you support your apprentices. These subsidies are an opportunity for you to help shape the next generation of Ontario’s electricians.

*Membership is not a requirement to participate in this program.

  • Wage Subsidies
  • Equipment Subsidies
  • Training Subsidies

Eligble Trades:

  • 306A Plumber

  • 308A Sheet Metal Worker

  • 308R Residential (Low-Rise) Sheet Metal Installer

  • 309A Electrician - Construction and Maintenance

  • 309C Residental Electrician

  • 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

  • 313D Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic

  • 434A Powerline Technician

  • 442A Industrial Electrician

  • 636E Elevating Devices Mechanic

Support Contact

If you have any questions or need hands-on support, please contact Robyn Hayden, our Program Coordinator, at robyn.hayden@oel.org, or book a phone meeting with her.

Book a Phone Meeting

Wage Subsidies

Employers can register a maximum of two (2) apprentices per annual cycle.

Apprentices who have worked with employers for a minimum of six (6) weeks are eligible. Submitting paystubs can be done little by little or all at once. Paystubs can be dated as far back as January 1st, 2025.

  • Year 1 Apprentices

    For Year 1 Apprentices, employers must submit paystubs showing gross income of at least $10,000 to receive a 50% reimbursement ($5,000).

  • Year 2-3 Apprentices

    For Year 2-3 Apprentices, employers must submit paystubs showing a gross income of at least $8,000 to receive a 50% reimbursement ($4,000).

  • Year 4-5 Apprentices

    For your Year 4-5 Apprentices, employers must submit paystubs showing a gross income of at least $6,000 to receive a 50% reimbursement ($3,000).

Equipment Subsidies

Only applicable for Year 2-3 Apprentices, employers can claim a maximum of $650 worth of work equipment. This can include anything from safety boots, tools, work gear, safety harnesses, and more.

Apprentices for this subsidy do not have to be the same apprentices as the Wage Subsidy apprentices.

Training Subsidies

Employers can choose from the two available Training Subsidy options below, but may only claim one. Select the option that best fits your needs, as both cannot be claimed together.

  • Individual Apprentice Training Subsidy

    Employers can receive up to $300 per registered apprentice for a maximum of 2 apprentices for training, which can be on-site, off-site, online, or in-person training.

  • Group Training Subsidy

    Up to $1,000 of subsidy for group training, provided at least one apprentice is included, and the training is fully paid and completed before submitting the claim.

How Do I Register My Apprentices to the Program?

Step 1: Complete All Enrollment Forms

Complete all the following forms and provide the required documents:

1.     Skills Development Fund Employer Online Form - Completed by Employer.

2.     Skills Development Fund Participant (Apprentice) Online Form - Completed by Apprentice OR Employer on their behalf.

 3.     EFT Enrollment Form (Please include a void cheque or a Direct Deposit form)

Step 2: Complete the Claim Form

Complete the Claim Forms depending on which subsidies you are claiming.

*CLAIM FORMS CANNOT BE PROCESSED UNLESS ALL ENROLLMENT FORMS ABOVE HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED.

Apprentice Subsidies

Apprentice Subsidies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQs For Employers

FAQs for Apprentices

  • Will apprentices receive these subsidies directly?

    Not directly. The subsidies are paid to your employer as reimbursements, which help them cover the costs of your wages, equipment, training, and other career-development support you receive while working with them.

  • What is a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) and how do I get one?

    A Registered Training Agreement (RTA) is a formal apprenticeship contract with Skilled Trades Ontario that each apprentice must have in order to be an official apprentice and collect hours towards your certification.

    If you do not have an RTA, you can reach out to Angela at angela.thomas@supportontarioyouth.ca from our partner organization, Support Ontario Youth (SOY). They specialize in providing support services to register apprentices with STO at no charge.

  • How can these subsidies help me as an apprentice?

    As a requirement, you need to be the following in order to participate in the subsidy program:

    (1) Registered with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) .

    (2) Be employed.

    The subsidies are paid to your employer as reimbursements. They help cover the costs of your wages, equipment, training, and other career-development support you receive while working. As the program is available to all employers regardless of Membership, you can inform your employer to apply for the program if they are not aware of this benefit.

This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.