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Incentive grant launched for women apprentices in Red Seal trades

January 17, 2019 | By Peter Saunders


Photo courtesy Red Seal Program

January 17, 2019 – The federal government is pilot-testing a new apprenticeship incentive grant for women to help them get certified in Red Seal skilled trades, including as electricians.

The nearly $20-million, five-year initiative is intended to encourage women to enter and succeed in trades where they are currently underrepresented. In 2017, for example, women accounted for only 9% of apprentices in Red Seal trades.

The new grant provides $3,000 per year or level, up to a maximum of $6,000, to registered apprentices. As such, they need to have successfully completed their first or second year or level of an apprenticeship in an eligible Red Seal trade (e.g. industrial electrician, powerline technician or construction electrician).

The move is also intended to help meet an increasing need for more workers in the trades. In combination with the existing apprenticeship completion grant, valued at $2,000, an applicant could receive combined support of up to $8,000 over the course of her training.

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Women apprentices who have progressed in their training on or after Apr. 1, 2018, may be eligible for the new grant. Applications are available online here.


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