ECO Employment Programs
Apprenticeship Service Program
With a shortage of skilled workers across the trade industry, the Apprenticeship Service Program makes it easier for small to medium-sized enterprises to hire first-year apprentices in specific Red Seal trades across Canada through financial incentives funded by the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service, and in partnership with EHRC (Electricity Human Resources Canada).
Program Status: Open to Employers & Apprentices
Applications are open for employers and apprentices. Please visit the links below to apply via Survey Monkey.
Train and Shape a Diverse Workforce for the Future
About the Apprenticeship Service Program
Our Apprenticeship Service Program provides first-year apprentices in select Red Seal trades with a financial incentive to offer employers upon hiring them for their first-year apprenticeship. The program helps them stand out to prospective employers and build a network of peers and mentors.
For employers, this program provides a financial incentive to meet the needs of small to medium-sized companies (under 500 employees). This financial incentive aids in removing limitations and challenges when hiring first-year apprentices within select Red Seal trades. It provides the opportunity to help train and shape a diverse workforce by onboarding new talent and creative ideas.
How Does the Apprenticeship Service Program Work?
1. Apply Online
Fill out our eligibility assessment and application.
2. Get Approved
Candidates and employers will be informed by email once they are pre-qualified to participate in the program.
3. Recruitment
Apprentices and employers are required to find their own placement and notify ECO Canada as soon as they do.
4. Sign Contracts
Once a match is confirmed between the employer and a pre-approved apprentice the contract agreements must be signed and returned to ECO Canada within the 2 week period of the apprentice starting.
5. Get Paid
This program offers eligible employers a financial incentive of $5,000 when hiring a first-year apprentice; or $10,000 when hiring a self-identified equity deserving first-year apprentice. Equity deserving groups include: Women, Indigenous people, Newcomers to Canada, Persons with disabilities, Racialized communities including Black Canadians, and LGBTQ2+. Both the employer and apprentice must fill out reports throughout the placement for the employer to receive the financial incentive.
Receive $5,000 When Hiring a First-Year Apprentice; or $10,000 When Hiring a Self-Identified Equity Deserving First-Year Apprentice
Need Further Assistance?
We understand that doing paperwork can be time-consuming, which is why we will take care of that for you. We can help you through the application process and secure funding for you.
Email us to schedule a quick chat with Brenden, who is part of our Employment Program team, to see how the programs work and if you qualify for it.
Breakdown for Apprentices
- This program is open to first-year apprentices in select red seal trades.
- You must already have an Active Apprenticeship Agreement.
- This program is open to individuals who hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.
Breakdown for Employers
- Receive a financial incentive of $5,000 when hiring a first-year apprentice; or $10,000 when hiring a self-identified equity deserving first-year apprentice.
- The host employer must provide a new position and the job must be in select red seal trades.
- Employers must be small-medium sized and be Canadian-owned or Canadian subsidiary. No municipal, provincial or federal government department.
- Funding will cover full-time placements that are 1 to 12 months long.
About ECO Canada
As the steward for the Canadian Environmental workforce across all industries, ECO Canada offers employment programs that stimulate environmental career pathways, skill development, business growth, workforce support and workforce advancement through wage and training funding.
To date, we have distributed over $176M in wage and training subsidies and helped to fill 16,775 job placement
