The Ontario government recently announced a new grant available for employers who support the Apprenticeship Program in an effort to improve completion rates and participation. An employer can now receive up to $19,200 for each employee who completes the program.

The changes were announced in a Nov. 16 letter by Deb Matthews, Minister of Advanced Education and Skills Development, in which the government stated its plans to replace the Apprenticeship Training Tax Credit with a new Graduated Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (GAGE) as well as changes to Employer Completion Bonus.

Effective November 15, employers registering a new apprentice will be automatically assessed for eligibility for the new grant. The grant amount increases over time as the apprentice moves through to completion.

GAGE will include a bonus for employers hiring and training apprentices from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, Francophones, people with disabilities, newcomers and visible minorities.

Under the new GAGE program, upon full completion of the program by an employee, an eligible employer would receive a total of $16,700 up to $19,200 if the employee is from an underrepresented group.

A questions and answers document, as well at Minister Matthews' letter appear below:

GAGE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
GAGE ANNOUNCEMENT

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