Freshco Women in Trades Bursary
The Freshco (not the grocery store) Women in Trades Bursary supports women and non-binary individuals in the skilled trades to access professional development opportunities that strengthen leadership, confidence, and long-term career success.
Administered by the Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation, this bursary helps trades professionals invest in learning experiences that move their careers forward — from industry conferences to skills training and certification.
Established with a named gift from Freshco, the bursary reflects a shared commitment to building opportunity and leadership across Canada’s skilled trades.
What the Bursary Supports
Bursary funds may be used to support attendance at:
- Industry conferences
- Trade-related workshops
- Skills training or certification opportunities
Eligible opportunities must demonstrate clear value to the applicant’s professional growth or leadership development.
Funding Details
- Individual awards: Up to $750
- Number of bursaries: Varies, based on applications received
- The final award may be less than $750 to ensure full allocation of funds
Bursaries are awarded until all available funds are fully disbursed.
All award amounts are determined at the sole discretion of the Foundation, in accordance with approved policies.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Identify as women or non-binary
- Have completed an apprenticeship or be in the final year of their apprenticeship
- Be working in, or committed to continuing in, the skilled trades
- Demonstrate how the opportunity supports their professional or leadership development
Application Requirements
Applicants are required to complete a brief written application that outlines:
- The conference, workshop, or training they wish to attend
- Why the opportunity is meaningful to their career progression
Applicants must also confirm availability to attend the opportunity if funding is awarded.
Ready to Apply
Disbursement & Accountability
Disbursement & Accountability
Disbursement & Accountability
To ensure responsible stewardship of funds:
- Bursary funds are released upon receipt of proof of registration or attendance (for example, a confirmation email or receipt)
- Recipients agree to submit proof prior to or immediately following the event
- No additional expense receipts are required unless otherwise specified
Recognition & Reporting
Disbursement & Accountability
Disbursement & Accountability
The bursary is formally named the
Freshco Women in Trades Bursary.
Recognition may include:
- Listing on the Foundation website
- Social media announcements
- Inclusion in an impact report
All outcomes are reported in aggregate,
and recipient privacy is protected.
Governance & Oversight
Disbursement & Accountability
Governance & Oversight
The bursary complies with the Foundation’s Gift Acceptance and Recognition Policies.
The Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation
retains full authority over:
- Eligibility criteria
- Award amounts
- Selection and disbursement
Naming recognition does not confer any role in applicant selection or fund administration.
Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation Bursary Program
Professional Development Bursaries for Apprentices from Equity Priority Groups
The Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation Bursary Program is designed provide opportunities for apprentices from equity priority groups to access professional development at conferences. The bursary will be used to cover registration fees and associated travel expenses. In exceptional circumstances, the Bursary Program may consider applications from individuals who are facing systemic or financial barriers that are impacting their ability to complete their apprenticeships.
The Canadian Apprenticeship Foundation may partner with other organizations to provide bursary management support.
APPLICATIONS FOR GENERAL BURSARY PROGRAM CURRENTLY CLOSED.
Check back soon.