The Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy (AWS) program assists apprentices in gaining work experience in a skilled trade, and progress to journeyperson certification by providing a wage subsidy to employers. The AWS program provides a wage subsidy of 75%, to a maximum of $14.00 an hour, for all apprentices funded under the program. The AWS is paid directly to employers who are approved to hire the apprentice, is available to both EI-eligible and non EI-eligible apprentices.

Apprentices must be eligible to register or already registered with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division and have completed a pre-employment course in an eligible trade. Apprentices may be subsidized for only two levels of apprenticeship certification training under this program. Apprentices can complete the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy Program – Apprentice Application, which will be kept on file to share with interested employers. To determine eligibility, contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer.

Apprentice Marketing Letter: apprentices looking for employment may use this Marketing Letter as part of their job search.

Employers:

• must be incorporated businesses or sole proprietorships, and registered to conduct business in Newfoundland and Labrador;
• must be in good standing with the Newfoundland and Labrador Registry of Companies and Deeds;
• must have an office or operation in the province;
• must be eligible to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division, that confirms they have a certified journeyperson on site in the appropriate trade;
• must offer relevant work experience to the apprentice as required by the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division; and
• must adhere to all the relevant AWS Terms and Conditions.

Interested employers must complete and submit an apprenticeship wage subsidy (AWS) on-line application using the Labour Market Program Supports System (LaMPSS) by following the instructions below.

Employer on-line application:

1. If the employer is not already registered with LaMPSS, they must first be set up as a government vendor to receive payments. To register, click here: REGISTER AS AN EMPLOYER ON LaMPSS ONLINE SYSTEM.
2. Once LaMPSS registration is complete, a password and user ID will be provided for the employer, that will be needed for the AWS application process.
3. Once registered, employers may apply for an AWS directly on-line or update their information using the self-serve function, and the provided user password and ID mentioned above. To apply for an AWS click here: LaMPSS EMPLOYER SELF-SERVE.
4. The website also contains user guidelines, system requirements and the login information.

Program guidelines to assist employers applying on-line: click here.