The Ontario government announced $20 million in funding to help small businesses across the province sponsor and train apprentices on December 4.

The money is being provided through the new Group Sponsorship Grant program, which aims to increase the number of people training and working in the skilled trades. The program enables two or more people to who act as a single sponsor to provide training to apprentices to grow their skills and help them gain work experience to improve their career success. As such, the new program aims to reduce pressure on any single employer to see an apprentice through to completion of training and provide apprentices with the support needed to become a registered journeyperson. 

"We're leaving no stone unturned in our mission to help those who are interested find good jobs in the skilled trades,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. “Our government's Group Sponsorship Grant will bring more employers and apprentices together and will contribute to our province's economic recovery. This program is a great example of how we are encouraging more employer participation in apprenticeship, helping businesses find the talent they need while engaging and preparing people for meaningful careers in the skilled trades." 

Group sponsors share apprenticeship management and training responsibilities, including:

• interviewing and selecting prospective apprentices and establishing a training network,
• coordinating and monitoring the apprentice's on-the-job workplace training,
• submitting documentation for apprenticeship application, registration of training agreements and completion of the apprenticeship training programs,
• supporting apprentices through the complete apprenticeship cycle, including registration, workplace and classroom-based training, completion and trade certification, and
• overseeing affiliated employers and organizations who provide apprenticeship training and ensure they are delivering apprenticeship training in accordance with the Ontario College of Trades and Apprenticeship Act.

There are currently 119 group sponsors in Ontario with active apprentices. The new Group Sponsorship Grant is available to existing and new group sponsors. Businesses interested in the program may be eligible to receive grants of up to $1 million for the 2020–21 year, and successful applicants may receive funding for up to three years.

More information is available at Ontario.ca/hireanapprentice.