Apprenticeship in Manitoba

The apprentice and journeyperson designations recognize the skills that you have as a tradesperson. Completing an apprenticeship means achieving journeyperson status that comes with credentials, recognition of your skills across Canada, and access to higher wage rates.

The apprenticeship process includes both on-the-job training and in-school technical training. On-the-job hours are a prerequisite for attending in-school training. 

Because on-the-job experience is part of the apprenticeship process, you need the approval of your employer to start an apprenticeship. To start the process, talk to your employer about your interest in becoming an apprentice and get their approval. 

Once you have approval from your employer, CLAC will work with you to help you through the rest of the process. 

CLAC will

• track your hours for eligibility for your next level of training and submit your Blue Book to Apprenticeship Manitoba;
• provide you with resources for managing the financial transition from work to school; 
• give you updates about the technical training schedule and registration dates;
• let you know what awards and grants you may be eligible for; and 
• let you know how your training affects your wage rate. 

Visit the government of Manitoba’s Apprenticeship Manitoba site for more information on all aspects of apprenticeship training and to start the application process. 
 

Part of the application process is providing Apprenticeship Manitoba with your education history. The application form has space for you to fill in your Grade 12 transcript. 

If you have not completed Grade 12, you can still apply as an Access Program Trainee, and Apprenticeship Manitoba will work with you to assess your ability to complete the technical training requirements. 

Math skills are important, as are reading and communication skills. There are programs available to help get you to where you need to be even if you have not completed high school. 

Each year, Apprenticeship Manitoba publishes a calendar of the coming year’s training. You need to choose the section for your trade that works for you. Some things you may want to consider are whether you want to be in school during the coldest months of the year, and whether there are seasonal slowdowns when it is better to be in school.

See the 2020/2021 apprenticeship schedule here. 

The calendar comes out each year in late winter and registration takes place in early July. Set up an AccessManitoba account to allow you to register and manage your apprenticeship online. 

See registration dates for your trade at Apprenticeship Manitoba.

CLAC will reimburse eligible member apprentices up to $850 per level completed. There is also a $100 bonus available for apprentices whose final exam marks are above 90 percent. 
 
CLAC also supports apprentices with the Frank Kooger Apprenticeship Awards and the Matthew Manuel Memorial Award. 
 
Login to your myCLAC account and click the Your Work tab for more information on apprenticeship and to apply for financial supports from CLAC. 
 
Your employer may also offer bonuses for completing levels. Talk to your CLAC representative for more information. 

1. Employment Insurance (EI) benefits  

If you’ve been working steadily before going to school for technical training, you are eligible for EI benefits. For most people, the basic rate of EI benefits is 55 percent of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2020, the maximum yearly insurable earnings amount is $54,200 or $573 per week.  Apply on the government of Canada’s website.

2. Canada Apprentice Loan 

These loans can help cover lost wages, pay for tools, and cover tuition and other costs associated with being in school. They are interest-free while you are in the apprenticeship program or to a maximum of six years after receiving the loan.  Applications can be submitted on the government of Canada’s website.

3. Apprenticeship Grants

Grants are funds that do not need to be repaid!  

You can apply for apprenticeship grants through the government of Canada’s website.

The government of Manitoba pays for the first approximate $4,200 of tuition for each level for most apprentices. Additional government of Manitoba supports include: 

• Living allowances 
• Lodging supports for apprentices who live outside of Winnipeg or Northern training centres
• Travel and commuting reimbursements for apprentices who travel to training centres 
• Transit reimbursements for apprentices who travel to training centres via public transit
• Childcare subsidies for apprentices who require childcare because of technical training

Your case management worker at Apprenticeship Manitoba will work with you to access these supports. 

Money is available through First Nations Bands for Band members. 

Apply by contacting your First Nation Band Office.

If you are eligible to receive financial support from your First Nation, when you have your Confirmation of Registration letter from Apprenticeship Manitoba, ask your Band to write a letter addressed to you that states what the Band will pay for. Take this letter to your training institution as proof of what costs will be covered. Also forward a copy of the letter to the Director of Operations at a local Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centre.

The Manitoba Métis Federation (MMF) offers financial assistance for Métis, non-status, or Inuit apprentices. 

For more information and to apply, contact your MMF Regional Area Management Board:

Winnipeg: 204-947-9287
Southeast: 204-754-2721
Southwest: 204-725-7520
Northwest: 204-638-9485
Interlake: 204-646-2706
The Pas: 204-623-5701
Thompson: 204-677-1430

If you are eligible to receive financial support through the Manitoba Métis Federation, when you have your Confirmation of Registration letter from Apprenticeship Manitoba, ask your contact at the Regional Area Management Board of the MMF to write a letter addressed to you that states what the MMF will pay for. Take this letter to your training institution as proof of what costs will be covered. Also forward a copy of the letter to the Director of Operations at a local Manitoba Jobs and Skills Development Centre.

Income

The amount that you receive from the government of Manitoba for tuition and other taxable supports is considered income for tax purposes. T4E/A slips are issued by Apprenticeship Manitoba to apprentices receiving tuition and other supports in February of each year technical training has been taken. 

Tax credits

The amounts that you pay for tuition, books, and tools can be claimed as tax credits in the year that you paid for these expenditures. Keep your receipts! 

A T2202A slip will be available to you from the training centre where you took your technical training. You may have to request this form in the year that you have taken technical training. 

Trades Qualification Certification Exam fees are also tax deductible. 

A T777 form is available for the Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction that can be claimed for expenses related to buying tools required for employment/training. Your employer needs to complete a T2200 slip for you confirming the eligible expenses. Keep your receipts!