Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade

• Scholarships and Awards
• Grants and Tax Deductions
• Apprenticeship Fees
• Employment Insurance
• Provincial Assistance
• Funding Assistance for First Nations Bands or Manitoba Metis Federation
• Income Tax Information
• Monthly Budget
• Financial Assistance for a Start-up Business

Scholarships & Awards

Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction

Friday, November 4, 2011
Fort Garry Hotel

The “Apprenticeship Awards of Distinction” gala dinner recognizes the outstanding contributions that employers, journeypersons and instructors make to the Manitoba Apprenticeship training system, honours the valued support and commitment of members from the Apprenticeship Provincial Advisory Committees and the Apprenticeship and Certification Board.

Apprenticeship Endowment Fund Bursaries

The Apprenticeship Endowment Fund offers two annual bursaries through the Winnipeg Foundation:

1. Apprenticeship Endowment Fund Bursary: awarded to prospective or current apprentice(s) with demonstrated financial need
2. Tim McLean Memorial Fund Bursary: awarded to prospective or current Aboriginal apprentice(s) with demonstrated financial need

Additional eligibility criteria can be found on the first page of the application form. Depending on the annual earnings of the Apprenticeship Endowment Fund and the number of eligible applications received by the Apprenticeship Endowment Fund Committee, the amount and number of bursaries awarded will vary each year.

The annual application deadline is April 30.

Apprenticeship Endowment Fund Bursary Application
Tim McLean Memorial Fund Bursary Application

Make a Donation:

Enhance the Apprenticeship Manitoba bursary program and encourage and support participation in Apprenticeship training and certification by making financial contribution to the Apprenticeship Endowment Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation . Tax receipts are available.

Make a gift on-line:
Apprenticeship Manitoba Fund
Apprenticeship Manitoba - Tim McLean Memorial Fund
(Or download the Apprenticeship Endowment Fund Donation Form )

Highest Achievement Awards & Reception

Friday, April 29, 2011
Winnipeg Convention Centre, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Each spring, Apprenticeship Manitoba and the Apprenticeship and Certification Board honour the highest achieving apprentice graduates in each designated trade. This prestigious event also recognizes the highest achieving skilled worker and the significant contributions that employers make to the success of the newly certified graduates.

Apprenticeship Awards New Release - April 28, 2011

Automotive Industry Scholarship

Deadline: Last Friday in May Annually

The Red River Exhibition Foundation Inc. awards this annual scholarship to assist individuals who are pursing their Red Seal Certification as an Automotive Service , Collision Repair or Collision Refinishing Technician. Scholarships may be awarded to students at the secondary and post-secondary levels.

Scholarship Information and Application Form

Manitoba Trucking Association Apprenticeship Awards

Associated Trades Division Apprenticeship Award
$1,000 scholarship will be presented to the MTA member company employee who achieves the highest marks on his level 2 examinations in the Manitoba Transport Truck and Trailer Mechanic Apprenticeship program.
Vehicle Maintenance Council Apprenticeship Award
$500.00 cash award along with $500.00 in tools will be presented to the MTA member company employee who achieves the highest marks on his level 1 examinations in the Manitoba Transport Truck and Transport Trailer Mechanic Apprenticeship program.

Award Information and Application Form

Manitoba Wall and Ceiling Association Scholarship

Deadline: April 30

The Manitoba Wall & Ceiling Association generates an annual bursary to be awarded to prospective or current apprentice(s) with financial need entering apprenticeship training to obtain certification in Interior Systems Mechanic trades.  This bursary is managed by the Manitoba Wall & Ceiling Association Scholarship Fund and The Winnipeg Foundation.

Application Form

The Holmes Foundation Scholarships & Bursaries

The Holmes' Foundation Make it Right Scholarships and Bursaries are designed to encourage apprentices to learn to Make it Right. Employers are also being supported in hiring and training apprentices through the Make it Right Employer Incentives.

The Holmes' Foundation.

Darryl Cruickshank Memorial Award

Awarded every second year to a Canadian who has demonstrated inspirational leadership in the promotion and development of apprenticeship training for aspiring skilled trades persons.

Please see The Darryl Cruickshank Memorial Award for more information. Also available in French.

Nomination deadline: Spring 2012

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Grants & Tax Deductions

The Manitoba Government covers the major portion of tuition fees for apprentices when they attend technical/in-school training. As a result, apprentices pay much lower tuition fees in comparison to most other post-secondary options. In some cases, employers may also choose to assist their apprentice with tuition fees and books, which makes an apprenticeship a cost-effective education alternative.

For Apprentices:

High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP) Incentive For every 220 hours of practical training up to a maximum of 880 hours obtained as an HSAP apprentice, eligible apprentices will receive a tuition exemption for one level of technical training to a maximum of four levels.

Apprenticeship Incentive Grant $1,000 apprenticeship incentive grant for apprentices registered in a Red Seal Trade. Payment of the grant is conditional on the approval of funds for the program. Applications must be submitted to Service Canada.

NEW! Manitoba Public Insurance Apprenticeship Grant and Tool Allowance Manitoba Public Insurance provides grants to registered apprentices in the Motor Vehicle Body Repairer Program and the Motor Vehicle Body Painter Program. $2,000 is available after successful completion of each level of either program. Manitoba Public Insurance also provides up to $5,000 to registered apprentices in the above programs to help cover the cost of purchasing tools. The Tool Allowance will be applied for those who have completed level one of either program and have purchased tools after Jan 1, 2010. The Apprenticeship Grant will be applied for those who completed any program level after Jan. 1, 2010.

Tradesperson's Tools Deduction The new tradesperson's tools deduction provides employed tradespersons with an annual deduction of up to $500 to help cover the cost of new tools necessary to their trade. The deduction applies to the total cost of eligible tools in excess of $1,000 acquired by an employed tradesperson. *Apprentice Mechanics - Additional tool deductions are available.

Capital Cost Tool Deduction The Capital Cost Allowance for Tools has received an increase to $500 from the $200 limit on the cost of tools eligible for the 100 percent capital cost deduction. The CCA is a non-refundable tax deduction that reduces taxes owed by permitting the cost of business-related assets (i.e. tools) to be deducted from income over a prescribed number of years. You can calculate your CCA claim by using the back of Form T777, Statement of Employment Expenses, and enter the amount on the applicable line on the from of the form AND on line 229 of your return.

Apprenticeship Completion Grant $2,000 Apprenticeship Completion Grant, available to apprentices who complete their training, become certified journeypersons in a designated Red Seal trade. This grant is retroactive to include all apprentices who completed their training in a Red Seal Trade after January 1, 2009. Applications must be submitted to Service Canada.

Tuition Fee Income Tax Rebate Apprentice graduates are eligible to receive a 60% income tax rebate on eligible tuition fees (includes personal tuition fee contributions and tuition fee contributions paid on your behalf by the provincial government). Tuition Fee Income Tax Rebate helps support recently certified Journeypersons while living and working here in Manitoba.

 

For Employers:

Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit A federal non-refundable tax credit equal to 10% of eligible salaries and wages or up to $2,000 is available to employers/businesses  who hire apprentices in the Red Seal trades.  Consult and or discuss this tax credit with your income tax advisor/accountant.

NEW - Early-Level Apprentices Hiring Incentive (ELA-HI) Employers who are not eligible for the federal Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit (AJCTC) will be able to claim a 10% tax credit for wages paid to apprentices in levels 1 and 2, up to a maximum of $2,000 per year per apprentice, effective January 1, 2011. Both taxable and tax-exempt employers who are ineligible for the AJCTC will be able to apply for this fully refundable credit. Consult and/or discuss this tax credit with your income tax advisor/accountant.

NEW - Advanced-Level Apprentice Hiring Incentive (ALA-HI) Employers will be able to claim a 5% tax credit for wages paid to apprentices for level 3, 4 & 5, effective January 1, 2009 up to a maximum of $2,500 per year per apprentice. Income Tax Claims for Manitoba Tax Credit Employers will begin in 2010 for the 2009 tax season. Consult and or discuss this tax credit with your income tax advisor/accountant or by contacting the Manitoba Tax Assistance Office at 204-948-2115 or 1-800-782-0771.

Journeyperson Hiring Incentive (J-HI) The Journeypersons Hiring Incentive (J-HI) provides a refundable tax credit to employers of recent graduates of apprenticeship programs. It is equal to 5% of wages and salaries paid to a journeyperson per 12 months of permanent, full-time employment, up to a maximum of $2,500. Consult and or discuss this tax credit with your income tax advisor/accountant.

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Apprenticeship Fees

General Fees
Fee Description:	Amount:
Apprenticeship Application (including change of employer or change of trade)	$50.00
Practical Examination for Certification	$75.00
Re-Examination (including: provincial, interprovincial & practical exams)	$75.00
Level Placement Exam	$100.00
Replacement certificate, pocket card or practical experience record book	$35.00
Temporary Permit	$15.00
Renewable Endorsement on Certification(Authorization to Practise) For Hairstylist, Esthetician and Electrologist trades	$75.00
Late Payment Fee (on Renewable Endorsements-Authorization to Practise, Hairstylist, Esthetician and Electrologist trades	$15.00
NSF Cheque Service Fee	$20.00
Provincial Certificate Holder for Interprovincial “Red Seal” Exam	$75.00
Recognition for Canadian Certificates of Qualification Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT) allows journeypersons with a Certificate of Qualification from another province to work in a compulsory trade in Manitoba.	n/a
Trades Qualification Fees
Fee Description:	Amount:
Trades Qualification Application (includes PLAR services)	$100.00
Trades Qualification Certification Exam	$250.00
Trades Qualification Certification Re-Examination (inc. provincial, interprovincial and practical exams)	$75.00
Trades Qualification without Exam Application (grandparenting) (available for a limited time only; for compulsory certification trades only)	$50.00
Tuition & Book Fees
Fee Description:	Amount:
For class length up to 8 weeks	$200.00
For each additional week of class after the initial 8 weeks	$25.00
Books and materials (approximately, per program) Books are available for purchase from the corresponding college.	$800.00 - $1,500.00

As per the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Fees Regulation (161/2001)
If you have any questions, please contact Apprenticeship Manitoba.

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Employment Insurance (EI)

As an apprentice, you may be eligible to receive employment income support from Service Canada while attending apprenticeship technical/in-school training.
To collect EI, you must have;

• Worked sufficient hours to qualify (usually a minimum of approximately 900 insurable hours, however this is dependant on unemployment rates and time of application)
• Paid into an EI account

Instructions to apply for EI Benefits;

• Complete the EI application on or after your last day of work using the on-line application found at Service Canada-Employment Insurance Benefits
• Once you've entered the site, click on
  -On-line forms and services
  -Apply for employment insurance and benefits
• To access, you will be asked to enter the Service Canada 16-digit reference code provided to you on the first day of class. If you have misplaced this number, contact Service Canada.
• Once the application is complete and the application is successful, Service Canada will provide you with a confirmation number
• You will also be required to supply a Record of Employment for all employment training during the past 52 weeks or since your last claim.

For more information and to receive an application contact Service Canada or 1-800-206-7218

*If you work for a relative, Revenue Canada makes the decision as to whether your employment is insurable. This process can delay benefits for a number of weeks while a ruling is being made. Contact Revenue Canada and verify if your employment meets the eligibility requirements criteria for Employment Insurance Benefits prior to the start of training.

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Provincial Assistance

Living away from home allowance, travel, disability, child care etc.
This funding is offered through Employment Manitoba. On the first day of technical/in-school training, you will be asked to submit your application for further funding assistance as noted below.
To be eligible you must:

• Be able to establish an Employment Insurance Claim or
• Have had a benefit period end within the past 36 months or
• Have had a claim established for maternity or paternal benefits within the past 60 months

Employment Manitoba determines the amount of funding participants may receive. Eligible costs may include:

Tuition - Employment Manitoba pays all tuition costs (less required participant contribution) for EI insured individuals in apprenticeship training.

Living Allowance- Participants who are EI active will receive EI benefits during in-class training.

Child Care – Assists with additional costs of supervised care while in technical training. Receipts may be requested.

Commuting Allowance –If you have travel more than 60 kilometers each day to get to and from the training institution, based on standard mileage charts used by the Employment Manitoba.

Living-Away-From-Home Allowance-If you maintain a primary residence and pay for a second residence while in technical training.

Travel Assistance-To help pay transportation costs between your home and the place of technical training at the beginning and end of your course.

Disability Allowance-If you are disabled and need special arrangements or a device in order to participate in the course. “Disabled” means having a persistent physical, mental, psychiatric, sensory or learning impairment.

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for provincial assistance, contact Employment Manitoba, 1-800-523-4732

* Apprentices who do not meet the criteria above may be eligible for funding assistance through Apprenticeship Manitoba.

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 Funding Assistance for First Nations Bands or
Manitoba Metis Federation (MMF)

If you belong to a First Nations Band they may help cover the costs of travel, tuition, books, emergencies or living-away-from-home-allowance.

The Manitoba Métis Federation may also help with costs. To be eligible for financial help, you must be Métis, non-status,or Inuit and have lived in your region for six months.
Contacts for Regional Area Management Board:

Interlake:	204-646-2706
Northwest:	204-638-9485
The Pas:	204-623-5701
Thompson:	204-677-1430
Southeast:	204-754-2721
Southwest:	204-725-7520
Winnipeg:	204-947-9287

When your receive your Confirmation of Registration Letter in the mail from Apprenticeship Manitoba consult your Band or Manitoba Métis Federation Regional office and ask them to write a letter addressed to you identifying what they will pay for. Bring this letter to your first day of class and forward a copy to:

Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
Apprenticeship Manitoba
Director of Field Operations
1010-401 York Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3C 0P8

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Income Tax Information

The full cost of your technical/ in-school training may be considered for a tax credit even though as an apprentice, the majority of your tuition cost is covered by the government. You will receive a Manitoba Education Tax Credit Form-T2202A from the college you attended to claim on your Income Tax forms. You will also receive a T4A/E for outlining your tuition fees.
Where do I get my T2202A form?

• If you attend Red River College, go to http://www.rrc.mb.ca/files/File/admissions/T2202AFAQs.pdf.
• If you attend University College of the North, it normally gets sent the first week of February.
• If you attend Assiniboine Community College, go to www.assiniboine.net.

Other Common Questions:
Q: I got a T4A/E in the mail and it says I received a bursary, I didn't get money?
A: The student seat cost is paid on their behalf. Students are only responsible for paying their personal contribution (approx $200/yr).

Q: Do I have to claim my T2202A?
A: Yes, this is a school tax credit.

Q: I’ve done my income taxes and I owe. My accountant says it’s because of my schooling. Why?
A: It may be because you didn’t claim the T2202A.

Q: I’ve lost my T4A/E, or I’ve recently moved who do I call to ensure that I receive my T4A/E?
A: Call Apprenticeship Manitoba.

Q: Can I pick up my T4A/E?
A: No, for FIPPA reasons.

For further information about Apprenticeship and your income tax, contact the Canada Revenue Agency at 1-800-959-8281.

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Apprentice Budget While in Technical Training

You will want to set a budget for your technical/in-school training period. It should be based on your experiences and your expected income. This worksheet will help you estimate a monthly budget. Fill in the sections that apply to you.
Be sure to:

• Review your expenses, be accurate and realistic about your spending
• Review your financial resources and income
• Explore all possible sources of finances including awards, bursaries,
  student loans, band or community funding
• Monitor your expenses using a weekly or monthly review of any
  expenses you’ve incurred or purchases you have made. You may have to make adjustments to your budget along the way as
  your income and expenses vary.

Download the Monthly Budget Worksheet (24 KB)

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Financial Assistance for a Start-Up Business

Financing opportunities are available to encourage aspiring journeyperson's to further their career and become their own entrepreneur.

Presently, the Canadian Youth Business Foundation is offering start-up financing of up to 15,000 for entrepreneurs between the ages of 18-34. More information is available at the CYBF website.

Other contacts:
Canada Business-Services for entrepreneurs
Women's Enterprise Centre

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