Recognizing that the skilled trades has been one of the hardest hit sectors during the pandemic, the Ontario government is providing grants for apprentices to purchase tools, protective equipment and clothing for their trade. The Ontario Tools Grant Program will help up to 11,600 apprentices. New eligible apprentices will also get help purchasing the equipment they need to start their careers. $2.5 million will be allocated for 2020-21 and $7.5 million for 2021-22.The funding amounts will be distributed as follows: $1,000 for those in the motive power sector trades; $600 for those in construction and industrial sector trades; and $400 for those in service sector trades.