The Graduated Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (GAGE) provides payments to employers who hire (sponsor) and train apprentices in 130 eligible trades. Eligible employers will receive an automatic payment as their apprentice completes each level of training and when they achieve their Certificate of Apprenticeship or Certificate of Qualification. Eligible employers can receive up to $19,200 per apprentice over the period of the apprenticeship. This includes a $500 bonus for eligible employers for each completion milestone an apprentice finishes if the apprentice is from an underrepresented group.
Who can apply?
Starting November 15, 2017, all employers who register apprentices in one of 130 eligible trades will be eligible to receive GAGE — grant funding will be triggered by the apprentices completing their first level of in-class training.
How do I apply?
Starting November 15, employers registering an apprentice in an eligible trade will automatically be enrolled in the program. Employers will receive grant payments as the apprentice completes each level of training (payments will begin as early as spring 2018).
How much funding can I get?
Eligible employers can receive up to $19,200 in GAGE funding based on the apprentice's level of completion and the underrepresented bonus if applicable. See Table 1 below.
Table 1: Graduated Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (GAGE***)
Funding Disbursements to Eligible Employers by *Level of Completion
Description |
Level1 |
Level2 |
Level3 |
Level4 |
Certificateof |
Grand Total |
Grant amount per level completed |
$2,500 |
$2,500 |
$3,500 |
$3,500 |
$4,700 |
$16,700 |
**Underrepresented bonus per apprentice (ifapplicable) |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$500 |
$2,500 |
Maximum grant amount per level |
$3,000 |
$3,000 |
$4,000 |
$4,000 |
$5,200 |
$19,200 |
*Note: the levels of formal instruction for the classroom component of an apprenticeship program is based on the Ontario College of Trades' approved curriculum.
**Note: GAGE provides an additional incentive for hiring members of underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, Francophones, people with disabilities, newcomers and visible minorities.
***Note this table does not capture the in-demand bonus, which will offer additional funding on top of the amounts listed. The government is committed to developing an additional incentive for in-demand trades in spring 2018 based on labour market information.
Which trades are eligible?
List of Trades Eligible for GAGE
- 200G Precision Metal Fabricator
- 207S Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems Linesperson
- 225A Optics Technician (Lens and Prism Maker)
- 225F Thin Film Technician
- 237S Pool, Hot Tub and Spa Service Technician
- 237T Pool, Hot Tub and Spa – Installer
- 239B Tool and Gauge Inspector
- 240P Parts Technician
- 241A Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter
- 244G Cement (Concrete) Finisher
- 244H Restoration Mason
- 244K Precast Concrete Erector
- 244L Precast Concrete Finisher
- 246F Process Operator: Refinery, Chemical and Liquid Processes
- 246R Process Operator – Power
- 246T Process Operator – Food Manufacturing
- 246W Process Operator Wood Products
- 253A Heat and Frost Insulator
- 253H Hazardous Materials Worker
- 255B Facilities Technician
- 255W Facilities Mechanic
- 259L Locksmith
- 263F Pump Systems Installer
- 267G Composite Structures Technician
- 268R Railway Car Technician
- 269E Entertainment Industry Power Technician
- 274L Automotive Glass Technician
- 277M Mould or Die Finisher
- 277Z Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanic
- 278B Surface Blaster
- 282E Powered Lift Truck Technician
- 289F Electrician (Signal Maintenance)
- 295A Tire Wheel and Rim Mechanic
- 296A Native Residential Construction Worker
- 297A Ski Lift Mechanic
- 306A Plumber
- 307A Steamfitter
- 308A Sheet Metal Worker
- 308R Residential (Low Rise) Sheet Metal Installer
- 309A Electrician – Construction and Maintenance
- 309C Electrician – Domestic and Rural
- 310B Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer
- 310C Fuel and Electrical Systems Technician – No New Registrations
- 310D Transmission Technician
- 310E Alignment and Brakes Technician
- 310G Motorcycle Technician
- 310J Truck-Trailer Service Technician
- 310K Automotive Electronic Accessory Technician
- 310Q Auto Body Repairer
- 310S Automotive Service Technician
- 310T Truck and Coach Technician
- 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
- 313D Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic
- 332A Hairstylist
- 339A Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 1
- 339B Hoisting Engineer – Tower Crane Operator
- 339C Hoisting Engineer – Mobile Crane Operator 2
- 401A Brick and Stone Mason
- 401R Refractory Mason
- 403A General Carpenter
- 404C Painter and Decorator – Commercial and Residential
- 404D Painter and Decorator Industrial
- 410K Motive Power Machinist
- 410N Automotive Painter
- 415A Cook
- 416E Electronic Service Technician
- 420A Ironworker – Structural and Ornamental
- 420B Ironworker Generalist
- 421A Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- 421C Turf Equipment Technician
- 423C Baker-Patissier
- 424A Architectural Glass and Metal Technician
- 425A Agricultural Equipment Technician
- 426A Construction Millwright
- 427A Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer
- 428A Construction Boilermaker
- 429A General Machinist
- 430A Tool and Die Maker
- 430M Machine Tool Builder and Integrator
- 431A Mould Maker
- 433A Industrial Mechanic Millwright
- 434A Powerline Technician
- 435A Small Engine Technician
- 435B Marine Engine Technician
- 437A Metal Fabricator (Fitter)
- 438A Cabinetmaker
- 441C Horticultural Technician
- 442A Industrial Electrician
- 443A Pattern Maker
- 445A Appliance Service Technician
- 446A Electric Motor System Technician
- 447A Instrumentation and Control Technician
- 448A Floor Covering Installer
- 449A Roofer
- 450A Construction Craft Worker
- 451A Drywall, Acoustic and Lathing Applicator
- 452A Reinforcing Rodworker
- 453A Drywall Finisher and Plasterer
- 455A Exterior Insulated Finish Systems Mechanic
- 456A Welder
- 456P Pressure Systems Welder
- 600P Blacksmith
- 602C Tool and Cutter Grinder
- 602H Roll Grinder/Turner
- 605B Water Well Driller
- 609C Packaging Machine Mechanic
- 610C Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
- 611B Saw Filer/Fitter
- 614A Draftperson – Mechanical
- 614B Draftsperson Plastic Mould Design
- 614C Draftsperson Tool and Die Design
- 615A Bearings Mechanic
- 617A Electrical Control (Machine) Builder
- 630A Micro Electronics Manufacturer
- 630B Surface Mount Assembler
- 630T Tool/Tooling Maker
- 631A Network Cabling Specialist
- 634B Information Technology – Hardware Technician
- 634C Information Technology – Network Technician
- 636A Heavy Equipment Operator – Tractor Loader Backhoe
- 636B Heavy Equipment Operator – Excavator
- 636C Heavy Equipment Operator – Dozer
- 636E Elevating Devices Mechanic
- 637C Concrete Pump Operator
- 638A Tractor-Trailer Commercial Driver
- 661H Fitter Assembler (Motor Assembly)
- 670C Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programmer
- 670D Die Designer
- 670E Mould Designer
- 690H Recreation Vehicle Technician
Toll-free Employment Ontario hotline: 1-800-387-5656
TTY (telephone service for the deaf): 1-866-533-6339