Province Moves Towards 4,000 New Apprenticeship Spaces

April 15, 2008
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$3.8 Million to Support 1,100 New Seats; New Apprenticeship Tax Credit Part of Budget 2008: Swan

Competitiveness, Training and Trade Minister Andrew Swan today announced $3.8 million to support the creation of 1,100 new apprenticeship training seats as well as a new apprenticeship tax credit for businesses as part of Budget 2008.“The 1,100 new apprenticeship seats are an important first step toward our commitment to add an additional 4,000 training spaces over the next four years,” said Swan. “We are also pleased to offer a new incentive for business to encourage increased employer participation in the system as was recommended by the Apprenticeship Futures Commission.”

Of the new seats, 661 are in the area of construction, 211 in industrial/manufacturing, 182 in transportation and 46 in the service industry.

The new Apprenticeship Tax Credit will provide an employer who hires a certified journeyperson from an apprenticeship program a tax credit of up to $2,500 a year for up to two years for each journeyperson hired.

The minister noted that apprentices are entitled to the province’s tuition fee income tax rebate and receive 60 per cent of their tuition if they live and work in Manitoba after completion.

The minister also noted the province will continue to work with its partners including employers, government, educational institutions and employees to increase opportunities for young people in the trades.

“A highly-skilled workforce is vital to our economic future,” said Swan. “These steps being undertaken will help fill gaps in the skilled labour market and will lead to employment opportunities for many Manitobans.”

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