Trades and Apprenticeship Scholarship Guide

Need money to learn a skilled trade? As an apprentice you get paid to learn. There are more than 200 apprenticeable trades, and the traditional way to become an apprentice is to find an employer who is willing to hire and train you.

Student Scholarships and Student Bursaries
Scholarships for students entering apprenticeship programs from high school are typically awarded to outstanding new students. Bursaries are available to students and are more typically based on a combination of academic achievement and financial need and/or achievement in other areas such as leadership and community service. These awards may be offered by high schools, professional organizations, local businesses and national chains, and charitable foundations. They may be available on a non-renewable or renewable basis.

Start your search by talking to your high school career counsellor to see what kinds of scholarships and bursaries are available for your particular trades interest.

Many local businesses--and don’t forget your parents’ employers!--will offer some kind of funding, either in the form of scholarships or bursaries. Local businesses and national organizations may offer awards as a way of showing their support for the local community, so don’t overlook this opportunity.

Many trades organizations will provide scholarships as a way of promoting their profession and ensuring the development of future trades professionals.

And finally, there are a variety of charitable organizations, from local to national, that provide literally millions of dollars of awards to post-secondary students.

Student Loans and Grants
Student loans and grants are other types of financial aid available to both students and parents. Most provincial governments offer apprenticeship incentive grants as a means of encouraging high school students to transition to a trade.