Ontario Introducing Tools Grant for Apprentices

May 25, 2020

The Ontario government has introduced grant funding for apprentices to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade, along with forgiving previous loans to purchase tools. Which will be available later this year. The announcement also included support for laid off and unemployed hospitality workers.

The announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

The government is providing an Ontario Tools Grant of $2.5 million in 2020-21 and $7.5 million in 2021-22 and ongoing. This will help new eligible apprentices purchase the equipment they need to start their careers. The funding amounts will be distributed as follows:

• $1,000 for those in motive power sector trades;
• $600 for those in construction and industrial sector trades;
• $400 for those in service sector trades.

To be eligible for the new grant, apprentices must have:

• completed level 1 training on or after April 1, 2020;
• an active registered training agreement; and
• been registered as an apprentice for at least 12 months.

The government is also forgiving more than $10 million in outstanding loans owed by apprentices for tool purchases made at the beginning of their careers. The Loans for Tools Program allowed thousands of new apprentices to buy tools, equipment, clothing, manuals and code books required for their trade. About 19,000 apprentices who participated in the program owed, on average, $495.

Information on how to apply will be provided when applications open.

You can contact Employment Ontario with any questions.

Source