Apprenticeships
Apprentice Financial Supports under the
Skills Development Program
How do Apprentices apply?
If you are an Apprentice who has been authorized by the Industry Training Authority (ITA) to attend the classroom technical training component of your Apprenticeship Program, you may apply for both Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits as well as additional Program Financial Supports, while you attend your training.
For instructions on applying for EI Part I Employment Insurance Benefits, visit www.servicecanada.gc.ca
Instructions on applying for additional Program Financial Supports are dependent on when your courses starts:
- Courses Starting April 02, 2012 or later
- Courses Starting before April 02, 2012
Scroll down to the appropriate heading for instructions on How to Apply.
COURSES STARTING APRIL 02, 2012 or LATER
Please note the following changes to the Apprentice application process for courses starting April 02, 2012 and later:
- Applications should be submitted four weeks before your course start date.
- Applications for Program Financial Supports must be submitted using the online application (AOP).
- Click the ‘Apprentice Online Portal’ button at the right of the screen to begin your online application.
- Services will be delivered through a network of Employment Services Centres (ESC) .
- If you are not attached to an Employer Sponsor or Union Hiring Hall, you must access case management services through your local ESC. They will assist you obtaining an Employer Sponsor and in completing your application for Program Financial Supports.
Attached for your information is a Notice to Apprentices outlining these changes.
COURSES STARTING BEFORE APRIL 02, 2012
You will receive an Apprentice Application Package either in the mail prior to your course start date, or through the Training Institute where you will attend training, on or before your first day of classes. The Apprentice Application package includes instructions on applying for both Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits and additional Program Financial Supports, as well as information on submission deadlines. It also includes the following document:
Note: Regardless of when your course starts, it is important you complete both the EI Benefits application and the application for additional Program Financial Supports in accordance with instructions provided. This will either be through the AOP (for course starts April 02, 2012 and later,) or in the Apprentice Application package (for course starts prior to April 02, 2012). Failure to do so could result in delays or denial of EI and Program Financial Supports benefits.
For additional information regarding applying for Apprentice Program Financial Supports under the Skills Development Program, please contact Enquiry BC at:
Victoria: 250-387-6121
Vancouver: 604-660-2421
Elsewhere in B.C.:1-800-663-7867
Outside B.C.:604-660-2421.
What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education that combines paid, work-based training (about 85% of training), with technical training in a classroom or shop setting (about 15% of training). Successful completion of both components, along with examinations, is required to earn a certificate or ticket, and become a certified tradesperson. The length of an apprenticeship can range from one to five years, but most require four years to complete.
Who is responsible for BC’s Apprenticeship system?
In British Columbia, the Industry Training Authority (ITA) is the provincial crown agency responsible for overseeing B.C.'s industry training and apprenticeship system, providing a skilled workforce for industry and career development opportunities for British Columbians.
Registered apprentices may be eligible for temporary financial support under Part I and Part II of the Employment Insurance (EI) Act while attending ITA approved classroom components of their Apprenticeship Program.
Under the Canada-BC Labour Market Development Agreement, the Ministry of Social Development became responsible for administering Part II funded Personal Supports to apprentices effective February 2, 2009.
What does Financial Assistance cover?
Financial Assistance may be available under specific conditions for expenses related to:
- Basic Living Expenses - includes only ‘basic’ living expenses such as food, shelter and utilities (water, heat, telephone and hydro)
- Childcare – to assist with the cost of supervised care not already being paid for.
- Commuting – not to exceed the maximum monthly transit cost in urban areas where public transit is available. Where and if public transit is not a viable option, commuting will be reimbursed at $0.25 per kilometre. Rates are calculated based on the mode of travel and on the distance you commute daily to and from school.
- Travel – to help cover the transportation costs between your home and the place of training at the beginning and end of training.
- Living Away from Home – for Apprentices who maintain a permanent residence as well as a temporary residence while attending training.
- Disability – for Apprentices who are disabled and need special arrangements or a device (that you are not already paying for) to participate in the course. Persons considered "disabled" are those having any persistent physical, mental, sensory or learning impairment.
