Apprenticeship Opportunity Fund (AOF)

The Apprenticeship Opportunity Fund (AOF) provides support services to enhance the successful completion of an approved pre-apprenticeship or apprenticeship training program.

• An authentic apprenticeship is a registered contract between an apprentice (worker) who wants to learn a trade and an employer who needs a skilled worker.
• Apprenticeship training helps future tradespeople develop the skills they need to be successful in high-demand trades through hands-on work experience and in-school training.
• New annual apprenticeship registrations in programs across Ontario have grown from 17,100 in 2002-03 to more than 26,500 in 2014-2015.
• The typical duration of support by NPAAMB is 4 months, but can be up to 52 weeks.

1. To meet minimum NPAAMB eligibility requirements you must be: 
   1. A registered NPAAMB client (if you are not, contact your local YSO to schedule an intake appointment).  
   2. Reside within one of the following catchment areas: Kitchener-Waterloo, Brantford, Hamilton, St. Catharines, or Fort Erie and Niagara Falls (proof of residency may be required).  
   3. Self-identify as an Aboriginal person (status/non-status First Nation, Inuit, or Metis).  
   4. 15 to 30 years of age at the time of intake/selection. 
   5. A desire to learn, participate and accomplish personal career goals. 
2. Out of school, unemployed, or underemployed. 
3. If a previous NPAAMB client, must demonstrate successful completion of prior interventions provided by NPAAMB. 
4. Registered apprentice with the Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development (MAESD) and other approved apprenticeship offices.  
5. Demonstrate that you have researched the trade you are applying for  
6. Commitment to full attendance 
7. Willingness to participate in math and/or English upgrading  
8. High school diploma or equivalent  

This program is proudly sponsored by the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario