The Alberta Apprentice Training Award will increase from $1,000 to $1,500, effective September 1, 2020.
The financial award helps apprentices not employed in their trade by providing financial assistance to help offset the costs of completing technical training. The award is applicable for “Unemployed in the Trade” registered apprentices who are attending technical training at an Alberta-approved technical training provider.
The increased financial support will help about 3,300 unemployed apprenticeships continue their training by providing funds that can be used for costs like tuition, books, material fees, tools, transportation, and living expenses during their classroom instruction period.
“Alberta’s Recovery Plan is an ambitious plan to build, diversify and create jobs,” said Demetrios Nicolaides, minister of advanced education. “As our economy recovers and labour market demand increases, we need skilled people to fill those jobs. That is why we are increasing financial support to about 3,300 unemployed apprentices so they can continue their training and get back to work.”
To be considered for the award, an apprentice must meet the following criteria:
- be registered in the Alberta apprenticeship program for at least 30 consecutive days immediately prior to the start of technical training,
- be registered in a technical training class at an approved training provider,
- be “Unemployed in the Trade” for at least 30 consecutive days immediately prior to the start of technical training, and
- not be a previous Apprentice Training Award recipient for the same training period.
“Unemployed in the Trade” means the apprentice does not have an employer holding their Contract of Apprenticeship. For apprentices registered with the Boilermakers or Ironworkers Apprenticeship Administration Agency, “Unemployed in the Trade” is defined as being on the out-of-work list.
For more information on how to apply, visit tradesecrets.alberta.ca.
