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Raitt announces new Canada Apprentice Loan Lisa Raitt, federal minister of transport and Halton MP , was touring Sheridan College in Oakville last week and took the opportunity to announce the launch of the new Canada Apprentice Loan. Raitt revealed details on behalf of Minister of Employment and Social Development Jason Kenney. "Our government recognizes the important role the skilled trades play in Canada's economy and on-going prosperity," stated the Halton MP in a press release. Rooted in the federal Economic Action Plan 2014, the new loan provides apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade program with access to loans of up to $4,000 per period of technical training. The loans are interest-free until after loan recipients complete or leave their apprenticeship training program, up to a maximum of six years, according to Raitt. It is estimated that at least 26,000 apprentices a year will apply for over $100 million in Canada Apprentice Loans. Red Seal trades include 57 skilled trades including bakers, bricklayers, carpenters, electricians, gasfitters, heavy equipment operators, ironworkers, machinists, painters, plumbers, sheet metal workers and truck mechanics, to name a few. There are approximately 2.9 million skilled trade workers in Canada which represent 17 K a r a s t a n A r e a R u g s 21 | Thursday, January 22, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Federal Transport Minister and Halton MP Lisa Raitt toured Sheridan College's Skills Training Centre, announcing the launch of the new Canada Apprentice Loan program. Raitt looks at the finished stamping of a metal maple leaf she stamped, under the direction of Mike Reid, a technologist in the tool and die workshop. | photo by Graham Paine ­ Oakville Beaver (Follow on Twitter @halton_photog or facebook.com/HaltonPhotog) are completing their programs. "The high-tech skilled trades training at Sheridan give apprentices the opportunity to learn creativity and leading-edge skills for the increasingly high-demand careers in the skilled trades. The Canada Apprentice Loans will allow more Canadians to access the necessary training to become the high-skilled in-demand tradespeople our economy needs," said Jeff Zabudsky, Sheridan College president and CEO. Raitt noted enhanced support for apprentices and apprenticeship training is key to powering, and growing, the Canadian economy. "That is why, in addition to the Canada Apprentice Loan, the Government also supports apprentices through several other initiatives, including grants and tax credits," said Raitt. Since 2006, the Canadian government has also provided apprenticeship grants and tax credits for both apprentices and employers with the aim of encouraging see Canada on p.34 percent of the workforce. However, according to Statistics Canada, approximately 360,000 people are enrolled in more than 400 apprenticeship and skilled trades programs, yet only half of apprentices · M i r a g e H a r d w o o d Fine cabinetry for anywhere in your home. 905-632-0029 January Peerless Carpeting · Buyers Edge Guarantee · 200 Store Buying Power Special Free Persian BeSt Quality. BeSt Service. BeSt PriceS! DIAMOND PLATINUM THIS WEEK'S up to SUPER DEAL! iNStallatiON & uNderPad iNcluded! Cabinet installation with complete kitchen order exp. January 31/15 Family Owned & Operated Since 1976 uniquekitchensofburlington.com Rugs · 1/2 Price any carpet Style $ 4150 South Service Rd. Peerless Carpeting · Berber · Twist · Plush · Shag · Textured Berber Installed with underpad 2.99 Free take home whitening kit with patient exam and cleaning We pride ourselves on unprecedented personal service and care. /sq.ft. nEw KARAStAn & DESiGnER RUGS · 200 AREA RUGS M i r a g e $ 5' X 8' StARtinG At 99 opeN SuNDAYS · K a r a s t a n C a r p e t i n g · Store Buying Following locations only: SuperStore 101-165 Cross Avenue Where patients become family Power trafalgar village, (across from Oakville Go Station) Oakville 905.849.4472 H a rd w o o d 228 KiNg St. e. Hamilton 905-546-1921 P e r s i a n R u g s 289-837-4444