Grants and Credits
Federal support in the form of Employment Insurance (EI) and a range of federal and provincial tax credits and grants may be available to apprentices while attending technical training.
High school students, who begin an apprenticeship, may qualify for scholarships. For further information visit http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/careers/ssa/application/
Bursaries may also be available for Aboriginal students for pre-apprenticeship programs. Further information is available at
Employment Insurance (EI)
One of the many benefits of apprenticeship training is that during their school year, apprentices, if eligible, may receive Employment Insurance (EI). Other forms of post-secondary education do not receive this benefit.
While at school for your block release technical training period, you may earn a percentage of your salary and some employers may “top up” the EI benefits to reduce a loss of wages while attending school.
BC Training Tax Credits
In January 2007, the Training Tax Credit came into effect and provides tax credits for apprentices and employers who are engaged in eligible apprenticeship programs administered by the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
Available credits:
- Basic credits: for the first two levels of non-Red Seal training programs
- Completion credits: for level 3 or higher of both Red Seal and non-Red Seal training programs
- Enhanced credits: for First Nations individuals and persons with disabilities
More information is available on the BC Government website at: www.sbr.gov.bc.ca/individuals/Income_Taxes/Personal_Income_Tax/tax_credits/training-taxcredit.htm
Tradeperson’s Tool Deduction
If you have purchased tools and equipment for work purposes, and you are an apprentice or tradesperson, you may be eligible to claim the Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction.
For further information, please visit http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/whtsnw/tls-eng.html