Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) may provide temporary financial assistance to individuals attending apprenticeship training. Employment Insurance (E.I.) benefits are available for individuals while attending apprenticeship training if they have worked sufficient hours to establish an E.I. claim and meet other specific criteria. E.I. provides temporary income support to apprentices during periods of classroom training.

For students that are not E.I. eligible, obtaining government sponsored student loans are another option.

If a student loan is your only option there are a number of things you MUST consider:

• Eligibility is not automatic - you must demonstrate financial need.
• It is important to submit an application at least 4-6 weeks prior to the start of the program to determine if you qualify and how much assistance you will get.
• There is a limit to the amount of loan you can obtain and in many instances the loan itself may not cover the full costs of your program.

• be a Canadian citizen, or have Permanent Resident Status (Landed Immigrant);
• be a resident of the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador;
• demonstrate insufficient financial resources to meet assessed need;
• not be in default on previous federal and/or provincial student loans, or have outstanding accounts receivable with the Student Financial Services Division; and
• be enrolled in a program of study of at least 12 weeks in duration leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate.

The Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment offers the following wage-subsidy programs designed to help post-secondary graduates secure valuable work experience in their field of study. These programs will not result in the displacement of existing employees, or employees who are on lay-off, recall or absent because of work stoppage or labour/management dispute.

The Employment Generation Program will provide 50% of the hourly wage to a maximum of $4.00 per hour for the first 20 and final 20 weeks of a 60 week program. The employer must provide 60 continuous weeks of employment.

• Be currently unemployed or under-employed (working less than 20 hours per week) and actively seeking employment.
• Not be an immediate family member of the employer.
• Be Non-E.I. eligible which is defined as:
  • Currently not receiving E.I. benefits; and
  • Have not received E.I. benefits within the last three years; or
  • Have not received E.I. maternity or parental benefits within the last five years

For further information on the Employment Generation Program, please visit the Human Resources, Labour Employment website, or contact the nearest office.

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Graduate Employment Program

The Graduate Employment Program will provide 60% of the starting salary of the approved position, to a maximum program contribution of $10,000 over a 53 week period.

Participants of the Graduate Employment Program must:

• Have successfully completed a post-secondary program (minimum duration of one academic year).
• Be currently unemployed or under-employed (working less than 20 hours per week) and actively seeking employment.
• Are graduated at least three months and no longer than two years.
• Not be an immediate family member of the employer.

Preference will be given to non-E.I. eligible graduates. Non-E.I. eligible is defined as:

• Currently not receiving E.I. benefits; and
• Have not received E.I. benefits within the last three years; or
• Have not received E.I. maternity or parental benefits within the last five years

For further information on the Graduate Employment Program, please visit the Human Resources, Labour Employment website or contact the nearest office.

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Seasonal Employment Program

The Seasonal Employment Program provides 50% of hourly wages to a maximum of $3.00 per hour for a minimum of 8 weeks and a maximum of 15 weeks.

The program provides seasonal employers or employers with seasonal jobs the opportunity to assist in expanding their seasonal operation and create full-time seasonal employment.

Participants of the Seasonal Employment Program must:

• Be currently unemployed or under-employed (working less than 20 hours per week) and actively seeking employment.
• Not be in receipt of federal or provincial pension income, or worker’s compensation benefits.
• Not be an immediate family member of the employer.
• Be Non-E.I. eligible, which is defined as:
  • Currently not receiving E.I. benefits; and
  • Have not received E.I. benefits within the last three years; or
  • Have not received E.I. maternity or parental benefits within the last five years

For high school students, it is important to talk to a guidance counsellor and to also check with the post-secondary institution you will be attending.