Financial barriers should not stand in the way of your pursuit or continuation of a career in the trades. Below is a list of some of the scholarships that are available for trades programs in Canada. If you are considering a career in the trades, it is recommended that you take advantage of these opportunities in order to alleviate any potential concerns about funding your education and apprenticeship.
The resources below are just examples of the types of scholarships and grants available for students of the trades in Canada. To find more opportunities, you can look into programs specific to the province you live in or to the school that you would like to attend.
Government of Canada Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)
Amount: $1000 per year; up to $2000 total
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/incentivegrant/program.shtml
The AIG is a grant available to individuals who are registered in a Canadian apprenticeship program, and have successfully finished the first or second year or level of their apprenticeship program. The AIG is only available to individuals registered in one of over 50 Red Seal trades programs, which includes jobs such as bakers, cooks, carpenters, ironworkers, machinists, plumbers, and more.
Skills Ontario Scholarship
Amount: $500
http://www.skillsontario.com/scholarships-and-awards#students
The Skills Ontario Scholarship is awarded to past participants of the Ontario Technological Skills Competition who received either a bronze, silver, or gold medal for their efforts. This award intends to help students who intend to pursue an apprenticeship program or technology program at a college or university in Ontario.
Ontario Apprenticeship Scholarship for Youth
Amount: $1000
http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/apprentices/app_schol.html
The Apprenticeship Scholarship is available for students who have left school prior to the completion of the requirements necessary for registration in a trades program, but are willing to commit to achieving those requirements within one year. This is a great opportunity for students who otherwise would not consider themselves eligible for apprenticeship with Ontario employers.
Alberta Pre-Apprentice Scholarship
Amount: $1000
http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/financial-assistance/scholarships/pre-apprentice-scholarships/
The Pre-Apprentice Scholarship is intended to encourage those who have successfully completed pre-apprenticeship training programs to continue their career in the trades. In essence, this program provides extra incentive for potential tradespersons to complete their certification. Applicants for this scholarship must reside in Alberta and demonstrate financial need.
Tim McLean Memorial Bursary
Amount: Variable
The Tim McLean Memorial Bursary is awarded to Indigenous apprentices who have demonstrated financial need and are currently undergoing apprenticeship training. This award is available through Apprenticeship Manitoba, and was established in memory of Tim McLean, who himself was an aspiring Indigenous apprentice in the motor vehicle mechanic trade.
Government of Canada Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)
Amount: up to $2000
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/completiongrant/program.shtml
The ACG is a slightly different type of grant, in that it awards students who have already successfully completed their apprenticeship training. However, it is still a valuable resource to kick-start your career in the trades after completion of your education and training. You are eligible for the ACG if you have obtained your journeyperson certification in a Red Seal trade.
Sources:
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/incentivegrant/program.shtml
http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/tr.1d.2s_l.3st-eng.html
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/apprenticeship/completiongrant/program.shtml
http://www.skillsontario.com/scholarships-and-awards#students
http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/apprentices/app_schol.html
http://tradesecrets.alberta.ca/financial-assistance/scholarships/pre-apprentice-scholarships/