Financial Incentives & FAQs

Skilled Trades BC / ITABC

Information regarding Grants, Tax Credits, Canada Apprentice Loan

Financial Support | SkilledTradesBC | Training tax credit for apprentices - Province of British
Columbia | Tuition Tax Credit - Canada.ca

Visit the Skilled Trades BC Website

Lather / Wall & Ceiling Installer Red Seal Program

Completion of Level 1

1500 work based hours are required for the AIG/AIGW

  • AIG – Apprentice Incentive Grant $1,000.00
  • TTC – Training Tax Credit for Eligible First Nations Individuals $500.00

Completion of Level 2

3,000 work based hours are required for the AIG / AIGW

  • AIG – Apprentice Incentive Grant $1000.00
  • TTC – Training Tax Credit for Eligible First Nations Individuals $500.00

Completion of Level 3 – Red Seal

  • ACG – Apprenticeship Completion Grant $2000.00
  • TTC – Training Tax Credit $2000.00
  • TTC – Training Tax Credit for Eligible First Nations Individuals $3,000.00

An Apprentice Incentive Grant and the Apprenticeship Completion Grant are taxable grants that are issued to you.

The training tax credit is a fully refundable tax credit. You must apply the credit against your total taxes payable. If your credit is greater than your total taxes payable, the excess of the credit will be paid out as a refund.

In approximately 30 days from completing level 1 & 2 your grades will be posted and a Progression letter is sent to the Apprentice via email. Make sure your email is updated on the ITABC website as you will need the Progression letter to apply for Grants and Credits.

Once you complete your Red Seal Exam the results will be posted in approximately 10 days.

At the start of Level 1, 2 or 3 you can apply for a Canada Apprentice Loan for up to $4,000

The Canada Apprentice Loan is available to help registered Red Seal apprentices cover the cost of their training.

What You Need to Know

The Government of Canada offers apprentices registered in a Red Seal Trade apprenticeship program up to $4,000 per period of technical training.

You can get Canada Apprentice Loans for up to 5 periods of technical training.

Your loan will be interest-free for up to 6 years as long as you are confirmed as being registered in a Red Seal Trade apprenticeship program.

You do not have to make any loan payments as long as your loan is in interest-free status.

Eligibility

To be eligible, you must meet all of these criteria:

  • be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person;
  • be registered in a Red Seal Trade apprenticeship program that is designated by the province or territory where you are registered as an apprentice;
  • be enrolled in block release technical training or the equivalent full-time technical training with an approved technical training provider; and
  • pass a credit check (required if you are applying for the first time).

You Are NOT Eligible If You:

  • are a high school student;
  • are an apprentice registered in the province of Quebec;
  • are receiving a Canada Student Loan for the same technical training;
  • have been told that you are restricted from receiving a Canada Apprentice Loan or a Canada Student Loan;
  • have already received funding for 5 periods of technical training; or have already received 6 years of interest-free status.

Find Out More

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Can I Earn? 

Trades people in the wall and ceiling industry earn a significant income that enables them to afford a fulfilling lifestyle. Of course, income advancement is dependent on continued education, job performance and skills growth. 

Do I Have to Finish School Before I Enter Into This Industry? 

We strongly encourage you to complete high school before pursuing any career. Talk with your career counsellor or industrial arts teacher to discuss the Secondary School Apprenticeship Program and start your career while in school. 

Will I Need Post Secondary Education To Advance In The Industry? 

Once you enter the industry you can join the Trades Training program to become a certified tradesperson and grow your skills with on-the-job and industry driven technical training. This training is required for you to earn the Red Seal designation that is recognized across Canada.

Will I Be Able to See Career Growth 

The diversity of career paths available enables workers to remain active in our industry for many years. Career advancement positions can include: supervision, estimating, sales, and management just to name a few. 

What Hours Will I Be Expected to Work? 

A normal work week is approximately 40 hours. You may have the option of working additional hours on some projects. 

Will I Have To Travel?

You may have the opportunity to travel if your employer has projects outside your resident city. 

Will I Be Able To Work Year-Round? 

In B.C., the wall and ceiling tradespeople commonly work full-time year-round. 

Do You Have To Be Strong To Work In This Industry? 

As with any construction trade, you will be required to lift and stretch. It is recommended that you be able to lift in excess of 20 kilograms. 

Can A Female Work In This Industry? 

Yes, we are looking for both men and women to become certified tradespeople.