You may be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits and other financial support payments to cover your expenses while attending apprentice training.
Applying for Employment Insurance (EI)
If you meet Service Canada’s eligibility criteria, you can apply for Employment Insurance (EI) while attending apprentice training.
To receive EI and provincial supports, follow this process:
Step 1: Apply for Apprentice Financial Support
Apply for Apprentice Financial Support through WorkBC. You will receive a 16-digit code needed to apply for Employment Insurance. You may start your WorkBC application four weeks prior to your program start date.
Have questions about Apprentice Financial Support or your 16-digit code? Contact Work BC.
Step 2: Apply for EI
Apply for EI through Service Canada one week prior to your start of class. You must file your EI claim within four weeks from your last day of work.
If you have an active EI claim, do not reapply. Follow Step 1, and then contact Service Canada to provide them with your reference code and training dates. Make sure you do your first EI claimant report to start your claim. Indicate YES to Training and Available.
Have questions about EI? Contact Service Canada.
Financial Support
Canada Apprentice Loan
The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada. Apprentices can apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. For more information or to apply, visit Government of Canada – Canada Apprentice Loan.
Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year. It is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year or level of an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade. For more information, please visit Service Canada – Apprenticeship Incentive Grant.
Apprenticeship Completion Grant
The Apprentice Completion Grant is a taxable cash grant of $2000 for registered apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and obtain their journeyperson certification in a designated Red Seal trade. For more information, please visit Service Canada – Apprenticeship Completion Grant.
LNG Canada Trades Training Fund
The LNG Canada Trades Training Fund is administered through the BC Construction Association on behalf of LNG Canada. Those who meet the eligibility criteria can receive up to $1300 per year to assist with their apprenticeship training costs. The funds are paid directly to the training provider and can be accessed by employers on behalf of their apprentices. For more information on eligibility and how to apply please see: The LNG Canada Trades Training Fund [PDF]