Trades students in Canada can find scholarships of up to $40,000, up to $20,000 in interest-free apprentice loans, and full tuition coverage through a range of programs.
Five trades funding sources to know:
| Program | Maximum Value | Eligible | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schulich Builders Scholarship | $20,000 (1-yr certificate) or $40,000 (2-yr diploma) | Canadian citizens entering a 1-yr cert or 2-yr diploma (Fall 2026 round closed) | 12 Ontario colleges |
| Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (Red Seal) | Ended March 31, 2025 (was $1,000 per year or level, up to $2,000 total) | Registered apprentices in Red Seal trades | Federal, all Canada |
| Apprenticeship Completion Grant | Ended March 31, 2025 (was $2,000 one-time on Red Seal certification) | Red Seal apprentice completing certification | Federal, all Canada |
| Canada Apprentice Loan | Up to $4,000 per technical training period, interest-free | Apprentices in Red Seal trades, during technical training | Federal, all provinces and territories except Quebec |
| Better Jobs Ontario | Up to $35,000 (tuition + living + childcare) | Unemployed/underemployed Ontario residents | Ontario only |
This guide covers the main funding sources for trades and apprenticeship students in Canada for 2026: the federal apprentice loan (the federal apprenticeship grants closed in 2025), provincial trades programs, the Schulich Builders Scholarship, college-specific awards, employer sponsorships, and tax credits.
Want to see which awards match you? Take the 2-minute Funding Type Quiz. It shows scholarships and grants that match your province and your stage, including trades and apprenticeship. Free, no signup.
You may hear that trades students do not need funding: "You'll earn while you learn."
That is only half true. Yes, apprentices earn wages during their on-the-job training. But during in-school technical training blocks -- which can last 6 to 12 weeks at a time -- many apprentices earn nothing. They pay tuition. They buy tools that can cost from about $500 to $8,000 depending on the trade. They still pay rent.
Meanwhile, Canada is staring down a skilled trades crisis. The Canadian Apprenticeship Forum estimates that one in five skilled trades workers will retire by 2028. BuildForce Canada projects the construction industry alone will need 309,000 new workers in the next decade. The demand is enormous, and governments and private foundations have responded with funding programs for trades students.
This guide covers every major funding source available to trades and apprenticeship students in Canada in 2026. If you are considering a career in the trades -- or you are already an apprentice -- this could be worth tens of thousands of dollars.
The Schulich Builders Scholarship: Up to $40,000 for Skilled Trades
This is a scholarship program dedicated to trades students.
What It Is
Launched in 2023 by the Schulich Foundation, Schulich Builders awards 120 scholarships per year, worth $20,000 for a one-year certificate or $40,000 for a two-year diploma. The program operates across 12 participating Ontario colleges, with 10 scholarships awarded per college.
Participating Colleges (2026)
- Algonquin College
- Cambrian College
- Centennial College
- Conestoga College
- Durham College
- Fanshawe College
- George Brown Polytechnic
- Georgian College
- Humber Polytechnic
- Loyalist College
- Mohawk College
- Sheridan College
What It Covers
The scholarship supports the costs of tuition, tools and living expenses. For many trades programs where tuition is $4,000-$7,000 per year, it can cover a large share of the cost.
Eligibility
- Canadian citizen
- Enrolling in an eligible full-time skilled trades one-year certificate or two-year diploma program
- Starting in the fall at one of the 12 participating colleges (the Fall 2026 round has closed, so check the Schulich Builders site for the next round)
- Demonstrate strong work ethic and character
- Show financial need
- Provide a letter of recommendation
- Willing to act as an ambassador for the skilled trades
How to Apply
You need a nomination first. In the 2026 round, Ontario high schools could nominate up to five students and community organizations up to ten. Nominees then got an email invitation from Schulich Builders to apply through their college. College deadlines ran from April 5 to June 30, 2026, and winners were confirmed by July 31, 2026.
Key insight: With 120 scholarships available each year, it is worth applying. The Fall 2026 round has closed. If you plan to start a trades program at one of these colleges, ask your high school or a community organization about a nomination and watch the Schulich Builders site for the next round.
Canada Apprentice Loan: Up to $20,000 Interest-Free
The Canada Apprentice Loan is a federal program that provides interest-free loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training to apprentices in Red Seal trades.
How It Works
- Amount: Up to $4,000 per technical training period
- Lifetime maximum: $20,000
- Interest rate: 0% while you are an apprentice
- Repayment: Begins 6 months after you complete or leave your apprenticeship
- Who qualifies: Registered apprentices in a designated Red Seal trade
What Makes This Different From Other Student Loans
Unlike OSAP or provincial student loans, the Canada Apprentice Loan charges no interest during your apprenticeship. This is not a deferral -- there is literally no interest accruing. For an apprenticeship that lasts 3-5 years, this is a significant advantage.
You can apply as early as 3 months before your technical training starts, so you have funds ready on day one -- important since EI benefits can take weeks to process.
How to Apply
Apply through the National Student Loans Service Centre. You will need your apprenticeship training agreement and proof of enrollment in a Red Seal trade.
Better Jobs Ontario: Up to $35,000 for Career Changers
If you are an adult considering a career change into the trades, Better Jobs Ontario (formerly Second Career) is one of the most generous retraining programs in the country.
What It Covers
| Program Length | Maximum Funding |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 year | $28,000 |
| Up to 2 years | $35,000 |
This covers tuition, books, supplies, tools, transportation, and a living allowance. For a trades program at an Ontario college, this can cover nearly everything.
Who Qualifies
- Ontario residents
- Laid off, or not laid off but unemployed for 12 weeks or longer and part of a low-income household
- Not currently eligible for employer-sponsored training
- Applying for a training program at a recognized Ontario college, private career college, or union training centre
Since January 2026, the program guidelines have been updated to include micro-credentials and certification exam preparation -- meaning you can use Better Jobs Ontario for shorter, targeted trades training, not just full diploma programs.
How to Apply
- Contact your local Employment Ontario office
- Meet with a caseworker for an eligibility assessment
- Develop a training plan together
- Apply for funding approval before enrolling
Pro tip: Better Jobs Ontario can be combined with other funding. If you receive the Schulich Builders scholarship and Better Jobs Ontario covers your living expenses, you could complete a trades program with zero out-of-pocket cost.
Provincial Tools Grants and Training Credits
Each province offers its own funding for apprentices. Here is what is available across the major provinces.
Ontario
- Apprenticeship Tools Grant: A non-repayable cash grant to help pay for trade-related tools and equipment. Amounts range from $400 to $1,000 depending on the trade.
- Achievement Incentive Program: Grant payments at major training milestones to support apprentice progression.
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP): For high school students exploring skilled trades through co-op placements.
- Apply through the Employment Ontario portal after signing your training agreement.
British Columbia
- Training Tax Credit: Apprentices can claim a tax credit of approximately $2,500 to $4,000 total over a 4-year program, with credits increasing at higher training levels ($1,000+ for completing advanced levels).
- SkilledTradesBC Grants: Various grants for apprentices in designated trades.
- Claimed when filing your BC tax return.
Alberta
- Alberta Apprenticeship Scholarships: Over 900 scholarships of $1,000 each, awarded annually to registered apprentices.
- Apprentice Training Award: Additional funding for apprentices in designated trades.
- Employer Hiring Incentives: Through the EHRC Destination Trade program, employers can receive up to $5,000 per apprentice placement, which indirectly supports apprentice wages during training.
Quebec
- Apprenticeship Tax Credit: Employers receive a tax credit for employing apprentices, which supports the hiring pipeline.
- Loans and Bursaries Program: Quebec's financial aid program covers apprenticeship programs at recognized institutions.
Atlantic Provinces
- Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Training Award: Funding support for apprentices in Nova Scotia.
- New Brunswick CLB Awareness Initiative: The province has been actively promoting the Canada Learning Bond for trades students.
- Each Atlantic province has its own apprenticeship authority with specific funding programs.
Union Scholarships and Training Programs
If you are entering a unionized trade, your union may be a funding source too.
How Union Training Works
Many construction and industrial unions operate their own training centres. The training is often free to members because it is funded through collective agreement contributions. This includes:
- United Association (UA): Plumbers, pipefitters, steamfitters, sprinkler fitters, and HVACR technicians. UA locals across Canada operate registered apprenticeship programs combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Several locals offer scholarships for members and their families.
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW): Electrical apprenticeship programs through local unions, often with fully funded training and competitive apprentice wages.
- Carpenters' Union (UBC): Training centres across Canada with scholarships and bursaries for apprentices.
- Sheet Metal Workers (SMWIA): Funded apprenticeship training through local unions.
- Operating Engineers (IUOE): Heavy equipment operator training with apprenticeship programs.
The Financial Advantage of Union Apprenticeships
Union apprentices may earn higher wages than non-union apprentices, receive benefits during training (health, dental, pension contributions), and pay $0 for tuition at union training centres.
How to Find Union Apprenticeship Openings
- BuildACareer.ca -- Ontario's construction trades job board
- SkilledTradesBC.ca -- BC's apprenticeship authority
- TradeSecrets.Alberta.ca -- Alberta's apprenticeship portal
- Contact local union halls directly -- many post openings on their websites seasonally
Red Seal Certification: What It Means and How It Helps
The Red Seal endorsement is a national standard of excellence for skilled trades workers. It allows you to practice your trade in any province or territory without additional certification.
Financial Incentives for Red Seal Completion
While the federal Apprenticeship Incentive Grant and the $2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant both closed on March 31, 2025, the Red Seal designation still carries significant financial value:
- Higher wages: Red Seal journeypersons may earn more than non-certified workers
- Interprovincial mobility: Work in any province, follow the highest-paying opportunities
- Employer preference: Many employers require or strongly prefer Red Seal certification
Currently Designated Red Seal Trades
There are over 55 designated Red Seal trades in Canada, including:
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Automotive Service Technician
- Heavy Equipment Technician
- Hairstylist
- Cook
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
Employment Insurance During Technical Training
This is money you may be able to access.
When you attend in-school technical training as part of your apprenticeship, you may be eligible for EI regular benefits to replace lost income. This is not a special program -- it uses the standard EI system.
How It Works
- You must have enough insurable hours (typically 420-700 hours depending on your region)
- Benefits are 55% of your average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum of $729/week (2026)
- You apply for EI before your training block starts
- Benefits continue for the duration of your technical training (typically 6-12 weeks)
The Gap Problem
EI claims can take 2-4 weeks to process. This is where the Canada Apprentice Loan becomes essential -- you can receive loan funds as early as day one of training to bridge the gap until EI kicks in.
Stacking Your Funding: A Real-World Example
Here is how a first-year electrical apprentice in Ontario could fund their education in 2026:
| Funding Source | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Schulich Builders Scholarship | $20,000/yr | Grant (free) |
| Ontario Tools Grant | $600 | Grant (free) |
| EI during technical training | ~$5,000/block | Insurance benefit |
| Canada Apprentice Loan | $4,000/block | Interest-free loan |
| Union training (if applicable) | $0 tuition | Employer/union funded |
| Total first-year support | $29,600+ |
And that is before counting apprentice wages during on-the-job training (typically $18-$25/hour in Year 1, rising to $30-$40+ by Year 4).
Compare this to a university student who takes on $9,000+ in OSAP loans per year with grants slashed to 25%.
How to Find More Trades Funding
- Search FundMyCourse.ca. Our scholarship list includes trades-specific awards that are filtered separately from university scholarships.
- Contact your college's financial aid office. Ask specifically about trades scholarships -- they are often listed separately from general awards.
- Check with your employer/sponsor. Many employers offer tool allowances, tuition reimbursement, or scholarship programs for their apprentices.
- Contact your union (if applicable). Ask about training funds, scholarships, and bursaries.
- Visit your provincial apprenticeship authority website for province-specific grants and tax credits.
- Apply for the Canada Apprentice Loan before every technical training block.
- Check if you qualify for Better Jobs Ontario (or your province's equivalent) if you are changing careers.
- Take our 2-minute quiz to see which trades awards and grants you may qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do trades students qualify for OSAP?
Yes, if you are enrolled in an eligible program at a recognized institution. However, apprentices attending short technical training blocks (under 12 weeks) may not qualify. In that case, EI and the Canada Apprentice Loan are your primary supports.
Can I get the Schulich Builders Scholarship if I am already enrolled?
The scholarship is for students enrolling in an eligible program. If you are already enrolled, check with your college's financial aid office -- some colleges may have additional Schulich-funded awards or bursaries for continuing students.
Is Better Jobs Ontario only for people who were laid off?
No. Ontario says you may also qualify if you were not laid off but have been unemployed for 12 weeks or longer and are part of a low-income household. You can still apply if you get EI, Ontario Works or ODSP.
How much do tools actually cost for trades programs?
It varies significantly by trade:
| Trade | Estimated Tool Cost (Year 1) |
|---|---|
| Electrician | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Plumber | $2,000-$4,000 |
| Automotive | $3,000-$8,000 |
| Carpenter | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Welder | $500-$1,500 (plus PPE) |
| HVAC | $1,500-$3,000 |
The Ontario Tools Grant ($400-$1,000) and Schulich Builders scholarship help offset these costs, but tool costs are real, so plan for them.
Can I use an RESP for a trades program?
Absolutely. RESPs can be used for any qualifying post-secondary program, including apprenticeship technical training at a college. If your parents have an RESP set up, those funds can cover your tuition, tools, and living expenses during in-school blocks.
The Bottom Line
Trades students do need financial support. Between tools, tuition, and lost income during training blocks, the financial barriers are real. But so is the funding -- if you know where to look.
Between Schulich Builders (up to $40,000), the Canada Apprentice Loan (up to $20,000 in interest-free loans), Better Jobs Ontario ($35,000), provincial tools grants, union training programs, and EI benefits, a trades student in Canada may be able to combine several of these across their apprenticeship.
The skilled trades are not a backup plan. They are careers with their own funding.
Until now.
Start your trades funding search at FundMyCourse.ca -- we list trades-specific scholarships, grants, and funding programs.
This guide reflects funding programs available as of March 2026. Program details, amounts, and eligibility criteria can change. Always verify current information with the funding provider directly.