Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship and CES

Learn the benefits of involving CES in your apprenticeship career planning and job search. We can provide direction for school studies, connect with employers and offer incentives to place apprentices in on-the-job training, and coordinate formal registrations.
Contact CES to get started: call 613-267-1381 or drop by Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00pm to 40 Sunset Blvd in Perth.

Ontario has the largest apprenticeship training system in Canada. Each year thousands of apprentices are registered in more than 100 skilled trades ranging from carpentry to hairstyling. However, there continues to be a lot of concern that some trades will soon face a critical shortage of workers as more tradespeople reach retirement age.

As a result of this trend, both the Ontario and Canadian governments have introduced new incentives for both employers and apprentices, in an effort to increase the number of apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship training. In most trades, it takes approximately five years for an apprentice to obtain journeyperson status.

Ontario College of Trades
MLITSD: Financial supports for apprentices

See below for more information on apprenticeship training and some of the new programs that support apprentices.


Apprenticeship Red Seal Program

The Red Seal Program allows skilled trades workers to work in other provinces.


Apprenticeship Incentive Grant

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year for a maximum $2,000 per person. It is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year or level of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.

The AIG is Meant To:

  • Help cover some of the tuition cost for apprentices, plus travel and tool costs
  • Encourage apprentices to complete their apprenticeship program and get their Red Seal, which will allow them to apply their skills and knowledge anywhere in Canada

Who Can Apply for AIG?

  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
  • A person who is out of the secondary school system
  • A registered apprentice with an employer, training trust fund, union training centre, joint apprenticeship training committee, or apprenticeship authority
  • Registered in a designated Red Seal trade in the province or territory where they are
    a registered apprentice
  • Able to show progress within an eligible apprenticeship program by proving that they have successfully completed either the first or second year (level / block) based on support documents

For More Information:

Employment and Social Development Canada: English / French
AIG Information, Application Form, FAQs (English)


Government of Canada resources

Access Federal Government financial assistance information: Canada Apprentice Loan and Apprenticeship Grants.


Do you have questions or ready to get started?

Request an appointment with an employment counsellor to answer any questions you may have about Apprenticeship. Call 613-267-1381 ext 0 or complete the online request webform below.

 

Service Update

[January 2026]
Notice to the Community of Perth: Closure of Community Employment Services – Perth Office

Algonquin College Community Employment Services (CES) is advising the community of Perth that Perth CES will be ceasing delivery of Employment Ontario Services, in the Ottawa and Eastern Region, effective March 31, 2026.

Clients currently supported through the Perth office will continue to receive services. Individuals seeking new services will be referred to an alternative Employment Services provider offering phone, in-person, and online supports.

We value our partnerships and are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for clients and referral pathways. Details regarding alternative service arrangements, referral processes, and contact information are available by contacting 613-267-1381 or esperth@algonquincollege.com.

Thank you for your ongoing collaboration and support of employment services in the community.

Community Employment Services Algonquin College
and WCG Services