No, it is not necessary to have a specific apprentice in mind before applying for funding. If your application is approved, you will sign a contribution agreement with Colleges and Institutes Canada confirming your participation in the program.

After your contribution agreement is signed, you would hire and register your new apprentice(s) with your provincial or territorial apprenticeship authority. Then, you would request a payment for each new apprentice hired, up to a maximum of two per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31).