Q. I worked for a large auto parts company until three months ago. I see this as an opportunity to pursue my passion in cooking. Will I qualify for the apprenticeship program and is it taxable?
— Geoffery
A. There are many government programs available to help workers get into careers of their choice. The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is one such program.
In these trying times, it all helps. The AIG provides $1,000 per year to a maximum of $2,000 to eligible individuals that have completed their first or second year in an approved program. The grant can be used to pay for tuition, materials, etc. Money received is taxable and reported on filing tax return.
Eligibility for AIG:
• Individual must be Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
• Out of high school
• Registered in a Red Seal trade and with employer
• Show progress within an eligible apprenticeship program
The list of Red Seal Trades are extensive. Check out Service Canada’s website for a full list, servicecanada.gc.ca.
– Henry Choo Chong, CGA, can be reached at choochonghcga@yahoo.ca and
416-489-7800, ext. 227.
