Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship

Here you will find resources, links and information for learners who have selected the Apprenticeship Goal Path

OALCF Goal Path Description–Apprenticeship

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is on-the-job workplace training for those who want to pursue a career in the skilled trades. Apprenticeship training has often been termed "earning while learning." An apprenticeship is a legal contract between the apprentice and the employer that is registered with the apprenticeship authority, namely the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities (MTCU) in Ontario. Once the apprentice has signed an apprenticeship training agreement, they will receive on-the-job training from the employer or sponsor and also participate in classroom-based trade-related theoretical and practical training (usually referred to as "in-school" training).

Apprenticeship training can range from two to five years in length, and generally requires three levels of in-school training during this period of time. Each level of in-school training is generally 8 weeks in length if taken full-time, but in-school training is also offered on a part-time, evening, or one day per week basis. When the apprentice completes the required in-school and on-the-job training, they may be required to write an examination for the trade. Once the apprentice has completed the full program requirements for the trade, they receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A) and a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q). Once the apprentice receives the C of Q, they are known as a "journeyperson."

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade and is entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. Apprentices earn wages during their apprenticeship. For the construction trades, apprentices earn a percentage of a journeyperson's rate which increases as each period of training is completed.

Learners may start their journey towards their apprenticeship goal at many different points. Learners will work with their Instructor to determine the specific steps in the apprenticeship process.

OALCF Goal Path Description–Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship and Skills Training Key Development Skills

Learners need to develop all six OALCF competencies (Find and Use Information, Communicate Ideas and Information, Understand and Use Numbers, Use Digital Technology, Manage Learning and Engage with Others) to achieve their goals. The Key Development Skills below list the specific skills a learner needs to develop for an apprenticeship or skills training goal. These skills were drawn from goal path-specific research and development projects conducted in Ontario.

Self-Management Key Development Skills

• meets attendance expectations

• shows commitment to the program

• demonstrates motivation

• shows determination to succeed

• stays on task

• shows the ability to multi-task and the level of maturity appropriate for adult learning

• sets well-defined, realistic goals

• sets short-term goals and follows through

• meets both program and self-imposed deadlines

• demonstrates time management, in and out of class

• manages workload with outside commitments

• demonstrates ownership of learning needs

• shows willingness to spend time getting help outside of class

• shows self-reliance

• exhibits self-confidence, especially to grasp new concepts

• demonstrates self-discipline

• possesses self-awareness related to readiness for next steps of learning, testing, etc.

• demonstrates initiative

• works independently

• works with distractions

• “ask the right questions” - a willingness to take ownership and request assistance when they are stuck on a problem or task

• shows persistence

• strives for constant improvement

• radiates a positive attitude; sees challenges as opportunities for positive self-development

• predisposes to work both independently and as a team member

• demonstrates interpersonal skills with peers, i.e. group support

• uses organizational skills

• shows familiarity with college services

• uses good study skills

Academic Key Development Skills

• reads, interprets and proceeds with minimal support

• asks questions which are based on higher cognitive thinking

• uses quantitative thinking

• masters math skills over and above Essential Skills Numeracy

• demonstrates good algebra skills

• tackles postsecondary-type math questions successfully

• grasps formula manipulation – this demonstrates cognitive ability

• demonstrates reading comprehension – e.g. reads and follows instructions to successful completion of the task

• follows and carries out instructions especially from several sources – able to synthesize and integrate

• reads a several page article or text with no clear organization; then demonstrates understanding, reads and extracts information, and comments on that information

• uses proper grammar in oral and written work

• uses correct sentence structure

• demonstrates high level of organization, coherence, and unity in writing

• demonstrates essay writing skills

• uses correct documentation skills

• writes technical report or essay, proofreads and submits first draft without questions

• locates, organizes, analyzes, and documents information for essays/reports

• synthesizes information from various sources

• delivers oral presentations by effectively summarizing text and sources, paraphrasing and quoting sources

• goes “above and beyond”, i.e. asks questions to take learning further

• uses critical thinking skills

• demonstrates problem solving skills

• grasps abstract concepts

• achieves success on unit tests

• answers the question being asked

• completes demonstration activities with minimal or no support

• applies learning to own life, i.e. transfer skills and knowledge

• demonstrates technological proficiency in order to survive in a technology-based learning environment, e.g. MS Office applications

Math and Science:

Many skilled trades and skills training programs require the successful completion of specific math and science courses. Learners must ensure they successfully complete any required accredited courses.

Additional Key Development Skills

• ensures attendance: regular, consistent, punctual

• sets goals and accomplish them

• demonstrates commitment to the program and to goals

• shows ownership for goals, sets timelines and benchmarks to determine/assess progress

• shows commitment to results; success in the trades requires that apprentices develop a genuine sense of care for the work they do; they need to be passionate about what they do; otherwise they will find reasons not to continue along on the journey

• participates in class

• prepares to work in group: successfully getting the project completed, dealing with non-contributing members

• find and use information

• manages personal life – ability to manage both personal and academic life

• solves problem proactively , following through to resolution

• achieves academic levels beyond the necessary Essential Skill Levels for the chosen profession

• proves supports are in place: social, housing, and financial (Ontario Works, OSAP, EI, etc.)

• manages and stabilizes personal life including health, child care, transportation, finances

• resolves transportation issues

• demonstrates familiarity with college systems, database, and facilities

• exudes excitement about the “next step”