Quick Answer
Yes, you can use an RESP for an apprenticeship — if the student is enrolled in an eligible post-secondary program. The program and school both need to meet RESP eligibility rules. Depending on your RESP promoter requirements, either the subscriber or the beneficiary need to request an Education Assistance Payment (EAP) through the RESP provider and provide proof of enrolment before any funds are released.
Key Takeaways
- RESPs can be used for apprenticeships and trade programs — if the program qualifies.
- Your RESP provider will ask for proof of enrolment before releasing Education Assistance Payments (EAPs).
- RESP funds may help cover tuition, tools, books, transportation, rent, and other reasonable education costs.
- Full-time and part-time programs have different EAP timing and limit rules.
- Always confirm the specific program qualifies before requesting a withdrawal.
At Embark, we often hear from families who saved in an RESP assuming their child would head to college or university. But what if your child wants to become an electrician, a plumber, a welder, or an automotive technician? An RESP isn’t only for university programs. Skilled trades and apprenticeships are real post-secondary paths — and your RESP savings may be able to help pay for them.
The key word is eligibility. Not every apprenticeship or trade program qualifies automatically. Before withdrawing any funds, confirm that the program meets RESP rules, that the school is on an approved list, and that your RESP provider has the documents they need.
Can you use an RESP for an apprenticeship?
Yes — if the apprenticeship or trade program meets RESP eligibility requirements. The Government of Canada confirms that RESPs can help pay for education after high school, including trade schools, colleges, CEGEPs, universities, and apprenticeship programs.
That means a student heading into a Red Seal trade, technical training, or a formal apprenticeship program may qualify for RESP withdrawals called Education Assistance Payments (EAPs). EAPs include government grants and any investment growth in the RESP. Additional provincial incentives may be available depending on where you live.
For more background on how EAPs work, read Embark’s guide: What Role Do EAPs Play in RESPs?
What makes an apprenticeship RESP-eligible?
For an apprenticeship or trade program to qualify for RESP withdrawals, a few conditions must be met. The program must be at the post-secondary level, meaning it comes after high school. It also needs to meet minimum requirements for length and study hours. Here’s what that looks like:
| Program Type | Minimum Requirements |
|---|---|
| Full-time (Qualifying Educational Program) | At least 3 consecutive weeks long AND at least 10 hours per week on courses or work in the program |
| Part-time (Specified Educational Program) | At least 3 consecutive weeks long AND at least 12 hours per month on courses |
The institution or program must also be recognized as eligible. The student must be enrolled — not just accepted — before the RESP provider can release EAP funds.
It’s worth noting that earning wages during an apprenticeship doesn’t automatically disqualify the student. Many apprentices earn income while in training. What matters is whether the educational component of the program meets RESP rules.
How to check if a trade school or apprenticeship program qualifies
Don’t assume the program qualifies just because the school is well-known. Both the school and the specific program need to meet eligibility criteria. Here’s a quick checklist to follow:
Does My Apprenticeship Qualify? Checklist
- Check the Government of Canada Master List of Designated Educational Institutions
- Check the List of Certified Institutions if your program is an apprenticeship
- Confirm the specific program qualifies — not just the school
- Ask the school’s registrar, apprenticeship office, or financial aid office
- Confirm the program meets minimum weeks and hours per week or per month
- Ask your RESP provider what documentation they need before you submit a withdrawal request
If the school or program isn’t clearly listed, contact your RESP provider first. They’re responsible for checking eligibility before releasing funds — and they can help you figure out your next step.
Not sure where to start? An Embark Education Savings Specialist can walk you through eligibility before you submit a request. You can also explore RESP eligible schools and programs for a broader overview.
What can RESP funds pay for during an apprenticeship?
If the program qualifies, RESP funds may help cover a range of reasonable education-related costs. Apprenticeship-related expenses can look different from university costs — and that’s okay. Here are examples of what RESP funds may help cover:
| Expense Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tuition or training fees | Technical training school fees, registration costs |
| Tools and required equipment | Hand tools, safety gear, trade-specific equipment |
| Books and course materials | Manuals, study guides, workbooks |
| Transportation | Travel to and from school or training site |
| Rent or housing | Housing costs while studying away from home |
| Computer or technology | Laptop, internet, or phone if required for coursework |
| Student fees | Lab fees, activity fees |
| Moving expenses | Reasonable costs if relocating to attend the program |
Your RESP provider may ask for documentation before approving certain expenses in rare circumstances, such as when the request is over the maximum amount allowed. Keep receipts and records, especially for tools and equipment.
What documents do you need to withdraw RESP funds?
Before your RESP provider releases an EAP, they’ll typically ask for proof of enrolment and other supporting information. Here’s what to have ready:
Documentation Checklist
- Proof of enrolment from the school or apprenticeship body
- Program name and institution name
- Program start date and duration
- Whether the program is full-time or part-time
- Tuition or fee details
- Beneficiary information
- Expense receipts (for your own records when it’s time to file taxes)
Don’t wait until a bill is due to start gathering documents. Confirm eligibility, collect proof of enrolment, and talk to your RESP provider early. Embark customers can see examples of proof of enrollment documents so they know exactly what to send.
Planning to withdraw RESP funds for an apprenticeship?
Planning a trade or apprenticeship path? Embark can help you understand how RESP withdrawals may support eligible education costs. Make an RESP withdrawal with Embark or speak with an Education Savings Specialist.
How do EAP withdrawals work for apprenticeships?
An EAP is the portion of an RESP that includes government grants, provincial incentives, Canada Learning Bonds, and any investment growth. The subscriber (usually a parent or guardian) requests the EAP from the RESP provider. The funds then go to the beneficiary (the student) to help pay for eligible education costs.
EAPs are counted as taxable income for the student in the year they’re received. Because students often earn less than their parents, EAPs are usually taxed at a lower rate — but tax situations vary, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
For more detail, see Embark’s guide on whether RESP withdrawals are taxable.
Contribution withdrawals are different. These are the amounts originally put into the RESP by the subscriber. Contributions can be returned to the subscriber tax-free. They don’t go through the same eligibility check as EAPs.
Are there withdrawal limits for apprenticeship programs?
Yes. There are EAP limits during the first 13 consecutive weeks of a new program. These limits apply whether the student is in an apprenticeship or a university program:
| Program Type | First 13-Week EAP Limit | After 13 Weeks |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time | $8,000 (as of August 2023 — confirm current limit with your provider) | CRA sets an annual threshold for EAPs ($29,459 for 2026) |
| Part-time | $4,000 (as of August 2023 — confirm current limit with your provider) | You can apply for up to $4,000 every 13 weeks with valid VOE |
These limits are set by the government and apply at the start of a new program. Ask your RESP provider how the limits apply to your specific situation.
For more on timing and limits, see When is the best time to withdraw from your RESP? and RESP withdrawal rules: how to access education savings.
What if the apprenticeship is paid or work-based?
Many apprentices earn wages while training — that’s a feature of how apprenticeship programs work. Earning income during your training doesn’t automatically mean you can’t use your RESP.
What matters is whether the program has a qualifying educational component. If the apprenticeship includes a formal training block at an eligible institution and meets the minimum study hours, it may still qualify for RESP EAPs.
If the program qualifies, RESP funds may help cover tuition for technical training, tools, equipment, books, and other reasonable costs — even if the student is also earning wages.
What if the apprenticeship or school is not eligible?
If the program doesn’t qualify under RESP rules, you still have options:
- Keep the RESP open. The student may enroll in a qualifying program later.
- Wait until the student starts an eligible program before withdrawing EAPs.
- Consider changing the beneficiary (subject to plan rules) to another family member who may attend an eligible program.
If you’re unsure of how to proceed, you can speak to an Embark Education Savings Specialist about options for unused funds.
It’s important to avoid withdrawing contributions if the student isn’t enrolled in a qualifying program. Doing so may trigger grant repayments. Learn more in What happens to an RESP if it’s not used? and Can I withdraw money from an RESP early?
Common mistakes families make with apprenticeship RESP withdrawals
- Assuming all trades programs automatically qualify
- Requesting a withdrawal before proof of enrolment is available
- Checking only if the school is eligible — without confirming the specific program
- Forgetting that the RESP provider must approve the EAP before funds are released
- Not understanding the full-time vs. part-time EAP limits during the first 13 weeks
- Assuming that earning wages as an apprentice means RESP funds can’t be used
- Not keeping receipts or records for tools and trade-specific training expenses
Have questions about your RESP?
If you’ve saved with Embark and your child is heading into a trade or apprenticeship, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Start your RESP withdrawal online in just minutes, without having to visit a branch, or reach out to an Education Savings Specialist — we’re here to help.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use an RESP for an apprenticeship?
Yes, if the apprenticeship program meets RESP eligibility rules. The program must be at the post-secondary level, meet minimum duration and study-hour requirements, and be offered at an eligible institution. The RESP provider will ask for proof of enrolment before releasing EAP funds.
Can RESP funds pay for trade school?
Yes. Trade schools and technical training institutions are included in the Government of Canada’s list of education after high school that RESPs can help fund. The specific school and program must appear on an approved list and meet program-length requirements.
Can RESP money be used for tools?
Tools and required equipment are listed as reasonable education-related expenses for apprenticeship programs, according to the Government of Canada.
What proof do I need for an apprenticeship RESP withdrawal?
Your RESP provider will typically ask for proof of enrolment, the program name, institution name, start date, duration, and whether the program is full-time or part-time. They may also ask for expense receipts. Check with your provider early to avoid delays.
Does an apprentice’s income affect RESP withdrawals?
Earning wages during an apprenticeship doesn’t automatically prevent RESP withdrawals. What matters is whether the educational component of the program meets RESP eligibility rules. The student’s income doesn’t directly affect EAP eligibility, but EAPs are added to the student’s taxable income for the year.
