OEL Wage Subsidy Claim Form

Wage Subsidy

Limit: 2 Apprentices Per Contractor 

Apprentices who have worked for a minimum of 6 weeks are eligible.

The wage subsidy covers 50% of the registered apprentice’s Gross Income (based on RTA start date):

Year 1 Apprentices: $5,000 (maximum) – 50% of $10,000 gross income
Year 2 & 3 Apprentices: $4,000 (maximum) – 50% of $8,000 gross income
Year 4 & 5 Apprentices: $3,000 (maximum) – 50% of $6,000 gross income

If you have any questions, please contact maria.wowk@oel.org (905) 238-1382 Ext. 104

Important Wage Subsidy Notes

1. Employers Claim
Employers (not apprentices, journeypersons, etc.) must submit wage subsidy claims. Payments are made to the employer.

2. Apprentice Registered Training Agreement (RTA)
The apprentice’s completed, signed Registered Training Agreement, showing the current Sponsor, is required for wage subsidy payments. Apprentice Year is calculated from RTA start date.

3. Pay Stubs
Pay stubs are required as proof of apprentice income for the wage subsidy request. We are unable to accept payroll reports or summaries. Please make sure the Company Name, Apprentice’s Name and Hourly Rate and Gross Income before deductions appear on pay stubs.

Year-to-Date (YTD) Gross: Wage subsidy claims can be submitted with the apprentice’s most recent pay stub showing the YTD Gross Income for the claim period. If bonuses or expenses are included in the YTD Gross, please subtract these amounts from the Gross claimed in the space provided on page 1. If the Gross is for a period beyond the subsidy Work Period, please enter only the amount for the applicable Work Period.

NOTE: Employers are legally responsible to make Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance and income tax deductions from an apprentice’s income. Apprentices cannot be employed as sub-contractors.

4. Payments
Payments can take up to 6 weeks to be issued. All required supporting documents must be provided to begin processing.

Revised August 27, 2026