Apprenticeship Achievement Incentive

In early March of 2021, the Ontario Government announced the Achievement Incentive Program. This program provides up to $4,000 to eligible sponsors for each new or existing apprentice as they reach key training milestones. This program provides $1,000 when an apprentice completes a level of in-class training (maximum of three levels for a total payment of $3,000) and an additional $1,000 payment is provided once the apprentice achieves the highest level of trade certification in their respective trade. Milestone payments are retroactive to April 1, 2020. This grant program does not affect the existing Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit, which is determined by salaries and wages payable to eligible apprentices.

To qualify for the Achievement Incentive Program, a company must:

• Be a corporation or unincorporated business that is subject to Ontario income taxes;
• Have a Federal/Ontario Business Number;
• Have an address or permanent work site in Ontario;
• Be an approved Ministry sponsor for apprenticeship; and
• Have registered a training agreement with an apprentice in a prescribed trade regulated under OCTAA, and have that apprentice complete a level of in-class Page 5 training or highest attainable trade certification on or after April 1, 2020.

Eligible employers should have already received an email containing a web link to apply electronically for the grant. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development will also notify eligible employers when their apprentices reach these milestones. If you are an eligible employer and have not received any communication from the Ministry, contact them to learn more.