Hiring and training apprentices costs money. In Ontario, that’s why the province offers apprenticeship grants Ontario employers and apprentices can use to offset wages, training time, and completion costs. As of 2025–2026, provincial supports remain active even though some federal programs have ended.
This page is a hub. It gives you the full picture, what’s open, what’s ended, and how much funding you can realistically expect.
Below are the main apprenticeship grants Ontario businesses and apprentices should know about in 2025–2026. All details are based on Ontario government sources.
This is the primary wage support program for employers who hire and train apprentices in eligible skilled trades.
What it provides
Who is eligible
Why it matters For many small and mid-sized businesses, this is the difference between hiring an apprentice or not. Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm if your trade and apprentice qualify.
This bonus is designed to encourage employers to take on new apprentices, especially from groups facing barriers to skilled trades.
Funding amount
Eligibility highlights
This bonus stacks with the Ontario Apprenticeship Development Benefit, which is why many employers use both together.
Ontario continues to offer a completion-based incentive when apprentices finish their training and become certified.
Funding amount
Key requirement
Completion bonuses help reduce last-year dropout risk and reward both the employer and apprentice for finishing strong.
It’s important to be clear about what is no longer available.
If you’re seeing outdated information online, this is often the source of confusion.
When you combine Ontario programs, funding adds up quickly.
Example scenario
Total potential support
Exact amounts depend on trade, apprentice progress, and eligibility milestones.
Assuming federal grants still exist
The Canada Apprenticeship Incentive Grant ended in 2025. Only Ontario programs remain active.
Missing milestone deadlines
ADBG payments are tied to progress. Late paperwork can delay or cancel funding.
Registering the apprentice too late
Funding generally requires an active, registered apprenticeship training agreement.
Not stacking programs
Many employers leave money on the table by applying for only one incentive.
Q: Are apprenticeship grants Ontario-only or federal too?
As of 2025–2026, most active funding is provincial. Major federal apprentice grants ended in March 2025.
Q: Do small businesses qualify for Ontario apprenticeship grants?
Yes. Small and mid-sized employers are eligible as long as they meet registration and training requirements.
Q: Can I receive funding for more than one apprentice?
Yes. Employers can receive funding for multiple apprentices if each meets eligibility rules.
Q: Are apprentices themselves paid directly?
Some incentives support employers, while completion bonuses are paid after certification. Payment structure depends on the program.
Q: Do these grants apply to all trades?
No. Eligibility depends on whether the trade is designated and approved under Ontario’s apprenticeship system.
If you’re building a broader hiring or training strategy, these guides connect closely with apprenticeship funding:
Ontario still offers meaningful support for apprenticeship training, but the rules change often and federal programs have tightened. GrantHub tracks 2,500+ active grant programs across Canada — check which ones match your business profile. It’s the fastest way to confirm eligibility before you commit to hiring.
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