NEWS RELEASE
Cambridge, ON — A new national program has been launched that will provide Canadian employers up to $10,000 to hire a new first-year apprentice.
The program, known as CASP (CLAC Apprenticeship Support Program) is made possible by nearly $15 million in funding from the government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service.
Canada is facing a severe shortage of skilled trades workers. This program is seeking to increase the number of individuals entering and completing the apprenticeship pathway to become journeypersons and gain rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
CASP will provide financial incentives to employers to hire first-year apprentices in 39 eligible construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades. In addition to funding, participating employers will receive assistance with recruiting, onboarding, and retaining apprentices, including training on creating inclusive workplaces through front-line supervisors and workplace leaders.
Employers can receive $5,000 for hiring a new first-year apprentice. They can receive an additional $5,000 if the apprentice self-identifies as being a member of one of the following underrepresented groups: women, Indigenous people, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, or LGBTQ2+ individuals. Each employer can access funding for two apprentices per fiscal year, for a total of four apprentices over the life of the program, which runs until March 2024.
The funding is specifically targeted to small and medium-sized employers—those having fewer than 500 employees. The employer must sign a CASP agreement prior to registering the apprentice to access the funding.
To learn more about CASP and to start the registration process, visitapprenticesupport.ca.
