Friday, October 2, 2026

New Federal Supports Coming for Apprentices and Skilled Trades Workers

The federal government has announced new details on supports for apprentices and skilled trades workers that were first introduced in the 2026 Spring Economic Update.

On September 18, the government confirmed the rollout of several new programs under its Team Canada Strong initiative, including a $5,000 completion bonus, new support to connect apprentices with employers, and additional income support while apprentices are completing mandatory technical training.

Here is what CLAC construction apprentices need to know:

$5,000 for completing your apprenticeship (retroactive to 2025)

Tradespeople who complete an apprenticeship and earn certification in an eligible Red Seal trade will be able to apply for a one-time $5,000 completion bonus later this fall.

Importantly, this support is retroactive. If you received your certification on or after April 1, 2025, you may also be eligible for the $5,000 bonus. The government is expected to provide further information on applications and eligible trades as the program opens.

Incentivising the hiring of first-year apprentices and supporting apprentices to find a job

Starting now, employers hiring a first-year apprentice in an eligible Red Seal trade will be able to receive up to $10,000 to support the hire.

The federal government is also launching the Build Canada Apprenticeship Service later this fall. The program is designed to connect apprentices with jobs at small and medium-sized employers and help more workers get the on-the-job experience they need to progress through their apprenticeship. The service will also help match apprentices with available jobs and provide navigation and other supports to help workers overcome barriers and complete their apprenticeships.

An extra $400 a week during technical training

Beginning in 2027, eligible apprentices will also receive additional financial support while attending mandatory in-class technical training.

The new Apprenticeship Training Grant will provide a $400 weekly top-up in addition to Employment Insurance benefits.

The grant is expected to launch in spring 2027 and will apply to eligible weeks of technical training that begin on or after January 3, 2027.

For apprentices who must step away from paid work to complete mandatory classroom training, the new benefit is intended to help make up some of that lost income and make it easier to stay in the apprenticeship system.

What should you do now?

If you are an apprentice or recently earned your Red Seal certification, these changes are worth watching closely. You could benefit if you:

earned certification in an eligible Red Seal trade on or after April 1, 2025
are currently completing an apprenticeship
are looking for an employer to continue your apprenticeship; or
will attend mandatory technical training beginning January 3, 2027, or later.

CLAC will continue to provide updates as applications open and additional eligibility and application details become available.

New Federal Supports Coming for Apprentices and Skilled Trades Workers

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