VIU welding

Apprentice Financial Supports

Financial help for apprentices doing in-school technical training:

  • WorkBC Apprentice Services
  • Employment Insurance (EI)
  • Canada Apprentice Loan
  • Tax credits

EI and WorkBC Apprentice Services

If you are starting your in-school technical training, you may be able to get financial help through WorkBC Apprentice Services and Employment Insurance (EI). 

Apply early! We recommend at least 3 weeks before your class starts.

Who can apply

You can apply if you are a SkilledTradesBC (STBC) registered apprentice who meets EI eligibility and you:

  • are receiving EI benefits now, OR
  • have received EI benefits in the last 5 years

And you have one of the following:

  • an employer sponsor
  • a union hall sponsoring you
  • an Indigenous Skills and Employment Training (ISET) sponsor
  • or, you are unemployed but still have an active STBC apprenticeship

Step 1: Apply for WorkBC Apprentice Services

  1. go to apply.workbc.ca
  2. log in with your BC Services Card app or a Basic BCeID
  3. complete the questions and submit your application
  4. you’ll get an email once your application has been received
  5. check your email or Messages inbox in the portal to find your 16-digit EI Reference Code.

Need help?

Phone: 1.844.428.4730

Email: info-apprenticeservices@workbc.ca

Step 2: Apply for Employment Insurance (EI)

  1. go to servicecanada.gc.ca
  2. click Apply for Employment Insurance
  3. enter your 16-digit EI Reference Code
  4. apply in your last week of work or in your first week of training

Already on EI? Do not reapply. Instead, call Service Canada and give them your 16-digit EI Reference Code and your training start and end dates.

Step 3: After you apply

  • WorkBC will confirm your attendance with VIU (no action required by you)
  • WorkBC will tell you if you qualify for extra supports
  • get updates by email or in your WorkBC Online Employment Services account

Canada Apprentice Loan

The Canada Apprentice Loan provides financial support to help you complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. You can borrow up to $4,000 in interest-free funding for each period of technical training.

Tax credits

Tax Credits provide refundable income tax credits for apprentices enrolled in trades programs administered through SkilledTradesBC.

Learn more about VIU Financial Aid and Awards.