【Government-Supported】 Paid Payroll Clerk Training Program – Obtain PCP Certification
📅 Entry Hourly Wage: $18–$22/hour | PCP Certification | No experience required | Government support
Starting a career as a payroll clerk doesn’t have to mean high tuition fees or prior experience. Through Government-Supported Paid Payroll Clerk Training Programs, participants can gain hands-on experience with payroll software, learn Canadian payroll laws, and transition directly into stable administrative careers in HR and finance.

Why Choose Government-Supported Payroll Training?
✅ Government Support + Paid Training
Programs are funded or supported by initiatives such as Ontario Second Career, WorkBC Skills Training, and ESDC retraining programs. Participants may receive tuition assistance, support for materials, transportation, or childcare, and in some cases earn wages through employer-partnered internships.
*The average internship salary is between $18 and $22 per hour.
✅ No Experience Required
Programs start from the fundamentals of payroll, covering wage processing, tax forms (T4, ROE), CPP/EI calculations, and employment standards before moving to payroll software practice and Excel reporting.
✅ Recognized Certifications
Graduates can earn Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification, boosting employability in administrative, HR, and finance roles.
✅ Competitive Benefits
Employer-partnered programs may offer:
• Paid internships
• Potential access to healthcare or other workplace benefits for full-time positions
✅ High Demand
Payroll clerks are needed across Canada, from small businesses to large organizations. Skills gained provide long-term job stability and multiple career paths—from payroll assistant to supervisor.
Who Qualifies?
Government-supported payroll programs welcome applicants from various backgrounds:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Young Adults (18–25) | Start early in a stable office role; internships help gain experience without student debt. |
| Career Starters (26–35) | Stable hours and income; government funding available. |
| Career Switchers (36–45) | Fast transition; focus on payroll software and Excel skills. |
| Newcomers & Returnees (46+) | Low physical demand, stable work; flexible pace and additional language/tax support. |
Basic Requirements
• Canadian work eligibility
• High school diploma or equivalent (some programs waive this)
• Basic math or computer skills
• Ability to pass background checks if required
Available Financial Assistance
• Second Career (Ontario) – Funding for unemployed or low-income adults
• WorkBC Skills Training (BC) – Tuition support and materials assistance
• ESDC retraining programs – Federal funding for eligible applicants
• Employer Partnerships – Paid internships and potential job placement
Training Path Overview
1️⃣ Search Local Programs – Check government websites, local Employment Centres, or colleges
2️⃣ Confirm Eligibility – Review age, residency, and basic skill requirements
3️⃣ Complete Training – Learn payroll fundamentals, software, compliance, and Excel reporting
4️⃣ Earn Certification – Obtain PCP credential for improved employability
5️⃣ Start Working – Transition directly into payroll or payroll assistant roles with potential for wage growth
Real Trainee Success Stories
Sarah, 29, Ontario⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“I was new to office administration. Through a government-supported payroll program, I learned payroll software, earned my PCP certification, and landed a payroll clerk role within 4 months. I gained practical skills while receiving financial support during training.”
Alex, 35, British Columbia⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“After switching careers, I enrolled in a government-funded payroll program. The hands-on training and employer-partnered internship allowed me to quickly gain experience and secure a stable administrative position.”
Ready to Begin?
Government-supported payroll training offers a fast, affordable route to a stable, future-proof office career.
Earn while you learn, gain recognized certifications, and secure a rewarding role in Canada’s growing payroll and HR industry.
👉 Paid Payroll Clerk Training Near You
Sources:
• National Payroll Institute – PCP Certification
• Ontario Second Career Program
• Canada Job Grant
• Canada Apprentice Loan