Financial Aid for Apprentices

Many of our prospective students share the same worry: “HOW WILL I PAY FOR SCHOOL?” This is a legitimate concern and we are here to help you navigate financial aid options. The good news is that as a registered Apprentice in our unique 32 Week Enriched Cook Apprenticeship & Diploma Program, you may be eligible for several financial aid options to help you pay for the cost of going to School full-time. Apprentices are in high demand, and completing School as an Apprentice has benefits and rewards! Not all cookery programs offered at the college level are created equal, and not all of them are Apprenticeship programs; it is important for you to understand the differences. Apprenticeship adds huge value to your education in many ways, including financially.

To be eligible to register as an Apprentice, you must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person.

Becoming an Apprentice requires you to have a sponsor. When you are accepted as a student in our program, the School becomes your sponsor. The paperwork can be a little confusing, but our Administration team is here to guide you through the process of registering as an Apprentice with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. If you are already a registered Cook Apprentice with an employer as your sponsor, we will help you transfer your Apprenticeship to the School after you enrol in our Program.

During School Orientation week each October, our students are given a step-by-step explanation of how to complete their registration as Apprentices, and how to apply for the financial aid options available to ensure they get as much financial support as possible. 

Here is a list of financial aid supports available to our Student Apprentices:

1) Apprenticeship Development Benefit (ADB)

Full-time apprentices doing in-class training may be eligible for Apprentice Development Benefit (ADB) funding to help with various expenses, such as a basic living allowance, and others. For example, If you do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) or if your EI rate is below $500 per week while you are in School, you may be eligible for a basic living allowance of up to $500 per week. The infographic below explains what expenses qualify for the ADB.

2) Canada Apprentice Loan (CAL)

The Canada Apprentice Loan is an initiative of the Government of Canada to help eligible Apprentices complete their apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade. You can get up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of training. To be eligible for CAL, you must be a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or Protected Person. If you are receiving a Canada Student Loan (OSAP) for the same technical training, you are not eligible for the CAL. 

3) Apprenticeship Employment Insurance (EI)

Apprentices may be eligible to receive Employment Insurance (EI) benefits while attending in-class Apprenticeship training. It’s very important that your Employer provides you with a Record of Employment (ROE) that confirms you are leaving your job to go to Apprenticeship training, or you may not qualify for EI. Your EI benefit application must be submitted online through the Service Canada website. Further details regarding the EI application process will be provided during School Orientation Week.

 4) Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)

A taxable cash grant of $1,000 is available for each program year or level successfully completed by registered Apprentices, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person. 

 5) Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG)

A one-time taxable cash grant of $2,000 is available to registered Apprentices who complete their Apprenticeship training and obtain their Red Seal certification. Maximum lifetime amount is $2,000 per person.

 6) Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP)

Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.

Stratford Chefs School is a non-profit career college and a registered Charity that offers a range of Scholarships, Awards, and Bursary opportunities to help support their students. The School actively fundraises in order to offer financial aid assistance, help keep tuition fees reasonable, and maintain the exceptional quality of the program.

Founded in 1983, Stratford Chefs School is a leading Canadian culinary institution located in Stratford, Ontario with nearly 900 Alumni. The School’s comprehensive training and unique Apprenticeship program emphasizes classical culinary techniques alongside essential business skills, preparing students for success in the evolving culinary industry. The School continually adapts its curriculum to meet modern sustainability practices, maintaining its reputation as a top choice for aspiring chefs.