Grant
Provincial
Active
Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy (AWS) Program (Newfoundland and Labrador)
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development
Maximum Funding
75% of wages, up to $14/hour
Ongoing
Difficulty
Easy
Payment
Reimbursement
Trend
Stable
First-Timers
Friendly ✓
Co-Funding
75%
Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy (AWS) Program (Newfoundland and Labrador) provides up to 75% of the apprentice's hourly wage, to a maximum of $14 per hour, paid to the employer. The subsidy cannot exceed 700 hours for a first-year apprentice or 1,560 hours for a second, third or fourth-year apprentice. Each apprentice can be funded for two of the four apprenticeship years (a first and second year can be combined on one application). No overall dollar maximum is stated; the program guide's example is $21,840 for a third-year apprentice paid $20 an hour for 1,560 hours. Newfoundland and Labrador pays employers 75% of an apprentice's hourly wage, to a maximum of $14 an hour, so apprentices can build the work experience they need for journeyperson certification. The program covers up to 75% of eligible costs. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
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Eligibility & Details
What this program funds and who can apply
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Program Description
Newfoundland and Labrador pays employers 75% of an apprentice's hourly wage, to a maximum of $14 an hour, so apprentices can build the work experience they need for journeyperson certification. The subsidy covers up to 700 hours for a first-year apprentice and up to 1,560 hours for a second, third or fourth-year apprentice, and each apprentice can be funded for two of the four years. Incorporated businesses and sole proprietorships registered in the province can apply, provided a qualified journeyperson is on site.
Eligibility Requirements
- Employer is an incorporated business or a sole proprietorship registered in Newfoundland and Labrador
- In good standing with the Newfoundland and Labrador Registry of Companies and Deeds
- Has an office or operation in the province
- Has a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the department confirming a qualified journeyperson is on site
- Offers relevant work experience as required by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division
- The apprentice is registered, or eligible to register, with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (EI-eligible or not)
- One apprentice per application; each apprentice can be subsidized for two of the four apprenticeship years
- The position must not displace an existing employee, result from a labour dispute or reduced hours, or be filled before approval
- Additional criteria may apply
Provinces
Industries
Business Stage
Quick Assessment
Difficulty
Easy
Competition
Low
First-Timer
Friendly
Funding Details
- Amount
- 75% of the apprentice's hourly wage, to a maximum of $14 per hour, paid to the employer. The subsidy cannot exceed 700 hours for a first-year apprentice or 1,560 hours for a second, third or fourth-year apprentice. Each apprentice can be funded for two of the four apprenticeship years (a first and second year can be combined on one application). No overall dollar maximum is stated; the program guide's example is $21,840 for a third-year apprentice paid $20 an hour for 1,560 hours.
- Type
- Grant
- Level
- Provincial
- Co-Funding
- Up to 75% of eligible costs
- Deadline
- Ongoing
Program Scorecard
Competition, effort, and approval at a glance
Competition
Low
Deadline
Ongoing
Approval
Varies
Accessibility
4/5
Accessible — straightforward requirements
Competition
2/5
Below average competition
Difficulty
2/5
Easy — minimal documentation
Processing Time
Budget Trend
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How to Win
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Insider TipRegister for LaMPSS well before you need the subsidy: the province asks for 7 to 10 business days to process an employer registration, and the application itself must go in at least 30 days before the apprentice starts.
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Rejection Pitfalls 6
- No qualified journeyperson on site, or no signed Memorandum of Understanding with the department
+5 more pitfalls
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Success Profile
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Evaluation Criteria
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Application Playbook
Step-by-step process, required documents, and expenses
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5 steps
4 docs
Application Steps
1
Confirm your journeyperson and sign the MOU Employers need a signed Memorandum of Understanding with the department confirming a qualified journeyperson is on site.
Required Documents 4
✓ Job description for the position, including any education or qualifications required (attached to the application)
✓ Signed Memorandum of Understanding with the department confirming a qualified journeyperson on site
Eligible Expenses 3
Ineligible Expenses 4
Intake Periods
Deadline Notes
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The full guide for this program also covers:
- 4 more application steps
- 2 more required documents
- 3 eligible expenses
- 4 ineligible expenses
- Intake periods
- Deadline notes
Funding Stack Strategy
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Combined Funding Potential
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Clawback Risk
Low Risk
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How AWS Compares
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| Program | Amount | Difficulty | Payment | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy (AWS) Pro... | 75% of the apprentice | Easy | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency ... | Up to 50% of capital costs | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| Business Development Program (BDP) - ... | Varies (Repayable Contribution) | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| REGI Business Scale-up and Productivi... | Typically $100,000-$2,000,000 | Hard | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
| NL Business Growth Program | Up to $200,000 | Moderate | Reimbursement | Ongoing |
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Frequently Asked Questions
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How much is the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy?
75% of the apprentice's hourly wage, to a maximum of $14 an hour, paid to the employer. It covers up to 700 hours for a first-year apprentice and up to 1,560 hours for a second, third or fourth-year apprentice.
Can a sole proprietor apply?
Yes. Employers must be incorporated businesses or sole proprietorships registered in Newfoundland and Labrador, in good standing with the Registry of Companies and Deeds, with an office or operation in the province.
How many years of an apprenticeship can be subsidized?
Two of the four years for each apprentice, in any combination. A first and second year can be combined on a single application, after which that apprentice is not eligible for further subsidy.
When should I apply?
At least 30 days before the apprentice's start date, through the province's LaMPSS system. A position filled before approval is not eligible unless the province approves otherwise.
What do I need on site?
A qualified journeyperson. Employers sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the department confirming this, and must offer the work experience required by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division.
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Full Playbook: AWS
5 steps · 4 docs · reviewer insights