Hiring and training apprentices costs both time and money. The Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant helps Ontario employers and group sponsors cover these costs. Payments are made at key milestones as an apprentice moves through their training. You can receive up to $17,000 per apprentice, depending on the apprentice’s age and background.
This guide explains how the program works, who can apply, and how to submit a successful application.
The Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant is a program from the Ontario government. It gives milestone-based payments to employers and group sponsors that register and train apprentices in skilled trades. Instead of one lump sum, you get funding each time your apprentice reaches a milestone.
The program is managed by the Government of Ontario, Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
You may receive up to $17,000 per apprentice. Payments are made at the following milestones:
You only receive funding when each milestone is completed and verified.
Tools like GrantHub’s eligibility matcher help you filter apprenticeship grants by province, trade, and apprentice profile in seconds.
The grant is open to both individuals and organizations involved in apprenticeship training in Ontario.
You can apply if you are:
To qualify, you must:
The apprentice does not need to be under 25 to qualify, but younger apprentices and those from under-represented groups trigger extra payments.
You do not need a separate application form for each milestone. Payments are triggered as your apprentice progresses.
Get approved by Skilled Trades Ontario
Approval is needed before you can register an apprentice or sign a Training Agreement.
Register the apprentice
After the Training Agreement is signed and registered, you can receive the first $1,000 payment.
Support in-class training
As your apprentice completes each level of in-class training, you become eligible for milestone payments.
Confirm apprentice status
Make sure age and self-identification information is recorded to receive bonus payments.
Completion and certification
When the apprentice completes the program and becomes certified, you receive the final payment.
The program is currently open.
Not securing Skilled Trades Ontario approval first
Training agreements signed without approval are not eligible for funding.
Missing milestone documentation
Payments are not automatic. Progress must be recorded and verified.
Assuming all apprentices qualify for bonus funding
Extra payments only apply if age or under-represented group criteria are met.
Confusing grants with wages
This funding helps with training costs. You must still pay apprentices according to Ontario labour laws.
Q: Is the Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant repayable?
No. The Achievement Incentive and Group Sponsorship Grant is a non-repayable grant. You do not need to pay back the funding as long as you meet all program requirements.
Q: Do apprentices need to be under 25 to qualify?
No. Apprentices of any age can qualify. Those under 25, or who self-identify as part of an under-represented group, trigger additional milestone payments.
Q: What milestones trigger payments?
Payments are issued at registration, after each level of in-class training, and upon completion and certification.
Q: Can group sponsors apply for multiple apprentices?
Yes. Unions, associations, and consortia can sponsor and receive incentives for multiple apprentices, as long as all eligibility criteria are met.
Q: Where do I apply for the grant?
Applications and milestone reporting are handled through Ontario’s apprenticeship and Skilled Trades Ontario systems.
If you’re an Ontario employer or group sponsor planning to hire apprentices, this grant can help lower your training costs. GrantHub tracks apprenticeship incentives and other grant programs across Ontario and all provinces, so you can stay up to date as new funding becomes available. Consider using GrantHub to monitor changes and find the right grants for your business.
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