REGISTER WITH OAWANL
Are you a tradeswoman looking for work? A pre-apprentice, apprentice, Journeyperson, or currently enrolled in a trades program? Are you a Canadian Armed Forces Reservist, Veteran, Resettled Afghan Interpreter, military spouse or child (up to 25 yrs)?
When you register with our office we provide free services like supporting you with your job search, helping you build a great resume, preparing you for interviews and helping you work through barriers to employment or job site issues. Registered tradeswomen also have access to mentors, networking events in your area, and so much more. Join us and create your future and pave the path for future tradeswomen too!
Register with OAWANLOAWA NL Wage Subsidy Program
The Office to Advance Women Apprentices Newfoundland and Labrador (OAWANL) offers a wage subsidy incentive to support employers in the province who hire female apprentices.
Eligible employers may receive a reimbursement of 75% of the apprentice’s hourly wage, up to a maximum of $14.00 per hour, for apprentices in their 1st to 4th year who still require working hours in their apprenticeship. Each apprentice may be supported by up to two wage subsidy contracts/apprenticeship levels (pending funding availability at the time of application).
The internal approval process takes 5 to 7 business days once all required documentation has been received from the employer and apprentice. Please note! Employment must not begin until the contract between OAWANL, and the employer is fully executed. Upon approval of the application, the Apprentice Placement Specialist will confirm the start date.
Apprentice Eligibility
The Office to Advance Women Apprentices NL (OAWANL) offers wage subsidy support to women apprentices seeking employment in Newfoundland and Labrador. This program helps connect eligible apprentices with employers and provides wage subsidies to support sustainable employment.
Apprentice Requirements:
To qualify for the program, apprentices must:
- Be a 1st to 4th year apprentice in a designated trade and still require working hours to complete an apprenticeship
- Be available for full-time work as scheduled by the employer
- Not begin employment under the wage subsidy until all paperwork is signed and approved.
- Not leave current employment (in or outside your trade) to join a wage subsidy position without prior approval (OAWA’s Apprentice Placement Specialist can provide additional information as needed). Important: If you begin working before your wage subsidy contract is signed, or leave your current job without proper approval, you will become ineligible for the subsidy.
- Complete the OAWANL Office Registration Form
- Complete the OAWANL Wage Subsidy Assessment Form
- Submit all required supporting documentation via email to the Apprentice Placement Specialist:
- Official transcript and diploma from your trade program
- Current resume
- Confirmation of EI or Maternity Leave information (if applicable–screenshot from My Service Canada account)
- Proof of logged apprenticeship hours (if applicable – logbook copy or email from your Apprenticeship Program Officer)
What to Expect:
- Once your assessment and documents are reviewed, the Apprentice Placement Specialist will contact you to discuss next steps. If you have an employer who is interested in hiring you under the OAWANL Apprentice Wage Subsidy Program, then email the Apprentice Placement Specialist with the employer’s name and contact information.
- Eligible apprentices will receive a Marketing Letter to include with your resume when approaching potential employers.
- Once employed, register with the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division with the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador or a Change of Employer MOU.
- Once a Wage Subsidy is signed – apprentices must provide apprenticeship updates (logged hours and skills) to the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division (ATCD) and OAWANL every three months while participating in the program.
For more information on the OAWANL Apprentice Wage Subsidy program, get in touch with the Apprentice Placement Specialist via email or by calling 866-702-6292 (OAWA).
Apply for Wage Subsidy