Saturday, January 10, 2026

Ontario's In-Class Enhancement Fund Aids Level 1 Apprentices

On October 15, 2025, the Ontario government announced a $64.2-million investment over the next three years to expand in-class apprenticeship training through the In-Class Enhancement Fund (IEF). This new funding will help lower costs for apprentices by covering the Level 1 classroom fees.

The investment is part of Ontario’s plan to grow the skilled trades workforce and support major construction projects like hospitals, highways, and schools. It also includes measures to make it easier for apprentices to book exams closer to home and get certified more quickly.

For CLAC apprentices in Ontario, this change means that tuition reimbursement for Level 1 trade school will no longer be available while the IEF covers those fees. However, apprentices who earn a final mark of 80 percent or higher in Level 1 can still apply for the CLAC Trade School Bonus. That means $100 back in your pocket!

CLAC will continue to provide tuition reimbursements for Levels 2 and 3 (and higher). Apprentices should also remember that CLAC reimbursements only cover tuition fees, which is standardized by MLITSD to $10 per day.

The CLAC Tuition Reimbursement does not cover additional fees charged by schools, which can vary depending on the college, sometimes reaching up to $400. These fees can be associated with processing or administrative fees, student cards, parking, etc. Budgeting is key when it comes to planning for trade school!

Overall, this investment will make it easier and more affordable for apprentices in Ontario to begin their training. It’s another step toward helping more apprentices complete their programs, build rewarding careers, and continue strengthening our communities through their skilled work.

You can learn more about this at Ontario Investing More Than $60 Million in Skilled Trades Apprentices | Ontario Newsroom

For CLAC apprentices in Manitoba, there are no changes. Tuition reimbursements for all levels of trade school remain the same.

Ontario's In-Class Enhancement Fund Aids Level 1 Apprentices

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