Apprenticeship Funding

Apprentices have unique and specific funding options available to them, including provincial and federal government loans, grants, awards and scholarships. 

Alberta Student Aid

The Government of Alberta offers student loans and grants to apprenticeship students attending technical training on a full-time or part-time basis. In order to access this funding source, you must meet Alberta Student Aid’s residency requirements. 

Please note Alberta Student Aid applications are revised annually and are made available to students every summer (usually in June).  

Full-Time Apprentices

Red Deer Polytechnic's full-time apprenticeship technical training programs are 6-12 weeks in length. Applicants are assessed for the cost of their educational and living expenses while in technical training.  

To access the online application, visit studentaid.alberta.ca and log in using your Alberta.ca username and password. Once logged in, select the funding application for the academic year you wish to receive funding for. 

Alberta Student Aid will assess you for your living expenses as per this chart. If your actual living expenses exceed the amount you are being assessed for, you may be able to appeal your loan for higher costs by submitting a Request for Review.  

If you consider yourself to have a permanent disability, you are encouraged to connect with Red Deer Polytechnic's Accessibility Services to discuss disability grant eligibility. Additional paperwork may be required. 

After your application has been processed, you may need to complete loan agreements or have your partner complete a spousal consent and declaration form.  

Part-Time Apprentices

Red Deer Polytechnic's part-time apprenticeship technical training programs are eight to 10 months in length and include Cook, Locksmith and Parts Technician.  

Part-time apprentices are able to receive Alberta grant funding through the part-time Alberta Student Aid program. Funding is provided in the form of a grant and is intended to assist with the cost of tuition, books, travel, and childcare (if applicable). Living expenses such as rent, utilities, and groceries are not provided for part-time apprentices.  

Print and complete Alberta Student Aid’s Part-Time Application. Once completed, submit your application to the Student Connect Centre.  

If you consider yourself to have a permanent disability, you are encouraged to connect with Red Deer Polytechnic's Accessibility Services to discuss disability grant eligibility. Additional paperwork may be required. 

Canada Apprentice Loan

The Canada Apprentice Loan is offered by the Government of Canada to full-time apprentices registered in Red Seal trade technical training periods.  

Visit pca-cal.ca to set up a Canada Apprentice Loan Online Services Account and apply online. Applicants can request between $500 - $4,000. Please note the amount you request is final and cannot be changed.  

Employment Insurance

Apply online at servicecanada.gc.ca up to 7 days prior to your last day of scheduled work. You will need your EI reference code when applying – access this code in your MyTradesecrets account.  

Apprenticeship Grants, Awards and Scholarships

Red Deer Polytechnic Awards and Scholarships: Click here to view Red Deer Polytechnic's current award and scholarship opportunities.

Other Awards and Scholarships: To maximize your scholarship potential, view our list of external award opportunities.

AIT Scholarships: Valued at $1,000 each, AIT scholarships recognize the excellence of Alberta apprentices and encourage recipients to complete their apprenticeship or occupational training programs. While there is no application process, apprentices must provide AIT with consent for award and scholarship purposes.  

AIT Awards: Every year, the Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board recognizes the best of the best of Alberta’s apprentices and employers. Learn more about AIT awards, including the nomination process and past recipients.

Apprentice Training Award: This $1,000 award is available to apprentices who are unemployed in their trade for at least 30 consecutive days immediately prior to the start of technical training. Click here for more information.

Incentive and Completion Grants: The government of Canada offers grant funding to apprentices upon completion of their first, second, and final year/level of Red Seal trade technical training. Apply after completing your technical training period and updating your blue book. Click here to for more information.  

Indigenous Student Funding: Take advantage of the various financial aid and award opportunities available to Indigenous students.