Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Attending Trade School? Don’t Forget about the Apprentice Development Benefit

If you’re a CLAC apprentice heading back to school for your in-class training, you may be able to get financial help while you’re off work. The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) offers two main programs to help cover your living costs during this time: Employment Insurance (EI) and the Apprentice Development Benefit (ADB).

EI Benefits: The Basics

Many apprentices can access Employment Insurance (EI) while attending full-time in-class training. EI offers temporary income support if you aren’t earning wages because you’re taking approved training.

You can apply online at www.servicecanada.gc.ca up to seven days before your last day of work. You’ll need a Confirmation of In-Class Training letter from the ministry, which includes an EI reference code for your application.

If you have questions about whether you qualify or how to apply, contact Service Canada at 1‑800‑206‑7218 or visit a Service Canada Centre.

And here’s an important tip for CLAC apprentices: Even if you qualify for EI, it’s still worth talking with the ministry about the Apprentice Development Benefit (ADB). You may be eligible for extra help that EI doesn’t provide.

The Apprentice Development Benefit: What You Need to Know

The Apprentice Development Benefit (ADB) is designed to make sure apprentices can focus on training without worrying about basic expenses. It’s available to those attending full-time classes at a ministry-approved college or training delivery agent (TDA).

If you don’t qualify for EI, or if your EI runs out before your training ends, the ADB can step in to help fill that gap. You’ll need to meet with a ministry representative during your first week of class to apply! This step is important, even if you’ve already applied for or are receiving EI. The ministry will help determine what financial supports you can receive.

The ADB includes several types of financial help, depending on your situation:

Basic Living Allowance
Dependent Care Allowance
Commuting Allowance
Living-Away-From-Home Allowance
Travel Assistance
Disability Allowance

All funds received through the ADB count as taxable income, so be sure to set a little aside for tax time. Apprentices must attend classes regularly since unexcused absences can affect your eligibility.

Please note that ADB assistance doesn’t cover course or classroom fees.

How to Apply

When you begin your in-class training, you will be provided with:

An application package that includes instructions about how to apply
The application form. You can also download copy here.

If you have started your in-class training and did not receive the package, please contact Employment Ontario.

Getting Started

To make sure you don’t miss out on available support:

Apply for EI through Service Canada if you’re eligible.

Talk with a ministry representative during your first week of class to apply for the ADB.

Keep records of your training schedule, attendance, and any expenses related to dependent care or travel.

CLAC encourages all apprentices to take advantage of these programs because they’re here to help you succeed and stay focused on completing your apprenticeship training.

Attending Trade School? Don’t Forget about the Apprentice Development Benefit

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