George Brown College applauds Federal Government for launching Canada Apprentice Loan

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - As an institution committed to educating students with the skills our economy needs, George Brown College applauds the Federal Government's announcement of a new Canada Apprentice Loan to help more apprentices get the education they need to enter the job market.  

"These loans demonstrate the government's strong commitment to apprentices and the importance of colleges as a driver of economic growth," said Anne Sado, President, George Brown College. "Thanks to the loans, and other financial supports provided by both the government and through George Brown College, we will be able to educate more students with the necessary skills to fill critical vacancies across our city, our province and spanning the entire country."

Canada Apprentice Loans will provide apprentices registered in designated Red Seal trades with access to over $100 million in interest-free loans each year. They will help those already apprenticing to complete their training and encourage more Canadians to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

Red Seal trades include a total of 57 skilled trades, such as bakers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers. Those registered in a designated Red Seal trade apprenticeship with their province or territory will be able to apply for 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. The loans will assist an estimated 26,000 apprentices across Canada every year, alleviating some of their financial burden.

"We heartily endorse the objective of the Canada Apprentice Loan to help more trades trainees complete their apprenticeship and become certified journey persons," said Nobina Robinson, Chief Executive Officer, Polytechnics Canada. "The new loan shows that the Government of Canada places equal value on vocational education and training, alongside Canadian university and college education."

About George Brown College 
Toronto's George Brown College has established a reputation for equipping students with the skills, industry experience and credentials to pursue the careers of their choice. The college offers programs from its three campuses located across the downtown core, including its newest location at the Toronto waterfront, which opened in September 2012. George Brown offers 142 full-time programs and 193 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to a student body of over 25,800 (full-time enrolment) students, including over 3,500 international students; and over 62,800 continuing education registrants. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca

SOURCE George Brown College

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