The Ontario government is taking steps to ensure apprentices in the skilled trades will be set up for success as we continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19.
With skilled trades being recognized by the Ontario Government as those amongst the hardest hit by the pandemic, Premier Doug Ford alongside the Minister of Labour, Monte McNaughton and Deputy Premier, Christine Elliott have announced a loan forgiveness program as well as a new grant that will help to lessen the financial burden for existing and new apprentices.
Previous loans through the Ontario Government’s Loans for Tools Program will be forgiven. For apprentices entering the trades, the new Ontario Tools Grant will provide $10 million in grants between 2020 and 2022 to assist with the purchase of protective equipment, tools and clothing as they kick start their career. New apprentices in the electrical industry could be eligible for up to $600 in grants.
New apprentices must meet the following criteria to be eligible:
- Completion of level 1 training on or after April 1, 2020
- Have an active registered training agreement
- Have been registered as an apprentice for at least 12 months
Contact your Local for more information.
Read the Ontario News release here: https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/05/ontario-helps-people-impacted-by-covid-19-get-back-to-work.html