Ontario trades students can fund their training through Better Jobs Ontario grants, OSAP loans, scholarships, or personal financing. Funding options depend on your program and employment status.
If you’re thinking about training for a career in the skilled trades in Ontario, one of the first questions you may have is how you’re going to pay for it.
The good news is that there are several funding options available to help make trades training more affordable. You may qualify for scholarships, grants, or government funding.
The options outlined below are for total beginners who are looking to take pre-apprenticeship or construction training programs at trade schools or career colleges. If you’re already a registered apprentice, different supports (such as apprenticeship grants) may apply.
Check out four of the most common ways students fund their trades education in Ontario.
For many career changers, Better Jobs Ontario is one of the most attractive funding options.
This government program provides grants to help eligible Ontarians train for in-demand jobs, including many skilled trades. It can cover tuition, books, tools, transportation, and other training costs. It can be a good fit if you’ve been laid off, are unemployed, or are struggling to find stable work.
One of the biggest advantages of Better Jobs Ontario is that the funding is provided as a grant rather than a loan. That means you don’t have to repay the money you receive. Depending on your situation, funding may cover a significant portion—or even all—of your training costs.
Many prospective trades students are surprised to learn that they may qualify for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) funding. A lot of people think OSAP is only for university students. But many career college or trade school programs are also eligible.
Trades students at private institutions like Herzing may qualify for OSAP loans to help them pay for their training. A loan can be a smart way to invest in your future, especially if it means you can start training now instead of waiting years to save up. The sooner you finish your program, the sooner you can start earning in a new career.
While you’re in school, your loan is interest-free, and you don’t have to make any payments. That means you can focus on your training without worrying about your loan in the meantime.
Once you finish or leave your program, you get six months before you have to start repaying. This gives you time to find work and get settled into your new job first. Keep in mind that during this six-month period, the Ontario portion of your loan does start to accrue interest, so it’s worth checking your OSAP account to understand your specific balance.
Scholarships and bursaries may be offered by colleges, community organizations, industry associations, unions, employers, charitable foundations, and government-supported programs. Many awards are based on financial need, career goals, community involvement, or membership in an underrepresented group.
For example, there are funding opportunities specifically designed to support women entering the skilled trades, Indigenous learners, and students facing financial barriers to education. While individual awards may range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, multiple awards can often be combined to help offset tuition, books, tools, safety equipment, and other education expenses.
Because scholarships and bursaries do not need to be repaid, they can be one of the most valuable forms of financial assistance. Students who spend a little time researching opportunities and submitting applications may be surprised at how much support is available.
Not every student qualifies for government funding programs, but that doesn’t mean trades training is out of reach.
Many students use a combination of personal savings, RESPs, family support, or monthly payment plans to finance their education. Some financial institutions offer education-focused loans or lines of credit that can help spread the cost of tuition over time, making it easier to start training sooner rather than waiting years to save the full amount.
WHY TRAINING COSTS SHOULDN’T HOLD YOU BACK
When considering any educational program, it’s natural to focus on the cost. However, it’s equally important to consider the opportunities that training can create.
Many skilled trades programs can be completed in far less time than a traditional four-year university degree, allowing graduates to enter the workforce sooner. Trades careers can also offer opportunities for advancement, specialization, self-employment, and long-term earning potential.
For many students, the question isn’t simply how much training costs—it’s what that training can help them achieve. Exploring all available funding options can make it easier to focus on the opportunities ahead rather than the financial barriers in front of you.
Ontario continues to see demand for skilled trades professionals in areas such as electrical work, plumbing, and HVAC. With multiple funding options available, the cost of training may be more manageable than you think.
Have a look at our trades program to see what we have to offer. Our educational funding team can help you identify the funding opportunities that fit your situation.