What is a Skilled Trade?

Find a career you wouldn’t trade!  A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge.  Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks.  They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services.  Skilled Trade work has been on the rise for the last number of years, in terms of job and growth opportunities, and income. 

What is an Apprenticeship?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program is a training system that combines on-the-job training and periods of classroom learning (usually 8-week terms, but can range from 4 to 12 week periods).

While working, apprentices gain practical experience with training provided by a certified journeyperson in the designated trade.  While at school, apprentices gain the technical knowledge necessary to succeed in the industry.

Typically, apprenticeship combines 90 percent on-the-job training with 10 percent technical training.

Why should I become an Apprentice?

As an apprentice, you will learn the latest industry standards and technology while you gain hands-on experience.  An Apprenticeship allows you to make money while educating yourself in the trade – you “earn, while you learn”.   Ultimately, the goal is to become certified.  This will create many opportunities, ranging from increasing your chances of future employment to mobility across the country.  An Inter-Provincial (IP), or Red Seal, certification allows you to work anywhere in Canada in your trade.  For more information about apprenticeships in Ontario, please visit the MTCU website Start Apprenticeship.