Midland, Ontario – April 16, 2009 – Bruce Stanton, M.P. for Simcoe North, today highlighted the Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG), which will offer $2,000 to eligible apprentices who successfully complete their apprenticeship training and certification in a designated Red Seal trade. This measure was proposed in Canada’s Economic Action Plan, delivered in Budget 2009.

“By providing the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, our Government is helping individuals become tradespeople and ensuring that we have the skilled and mobile workforce our country needs to fill available jobs in the labour market,” said Stanton.

The Apprenticeship Completion Grant complements the existing Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, under which registered apprentices are eligible for a $1,000 grant when they complete their first and/or second year/level of apprenticeship training in a designated Red Seal trade to a maximum of $2,000.  The Apprenticeship Completion Grant will be offered to apprentices who complete their apprenticeship training and become certified journeypersons in a designated Red Seal trade. By combining the two grants, completing apprentices can be eligible for up to $4,000 upon certification in a designated Red Seal trade.

The Red Seal Program promotes a national standard for training excellence in the skilled trades and is highly valued by employers. The Apprenticeship Completion Grant will boost worker mobility, as the Red Seal workers’ credentials are recognized in most provinces and territories of Canada.

Apprentices can begin applying for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant in July but their eligibility will be retroactive to January 1, 2009.  Each year, an estimated 20,000 completing apprentices could benefit from the Apprenticeship Completion Grant once they are certified in a designated Red Seal trade, totalling an annual government investment of $40 million.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to do what it takes to help Canadians weather this economic storm.

While Canada currently faces economic uncertainty, skills shortages remain a significant challenge. The Government will assist individuals in developing skills for the future so they can take advantage of opportunities for themselves, their families and their futures.

For more information, visit www.hrsdc.gc.ca