WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?

An apprenticeship is a paid job that provides a hands-on training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade and who enjoy learning by doing.  e.g.  Automotive Service Technician, Electrician, Baker, Tool and Die Maker.

About 90 per cent of apprenticeship training is workplace-based training, under the direction of experienced workers.  An apprentice is given a Training Standard Manual or Schedule of Training to ensure that they are trained to the standards of skill and safety set by the industry. The remainder of the time involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college or provided by another approved training organization.

Once you have found an employer who is willing to train you, both you and the employer will sign a training agreement prepared by an Apprenticeship Branch consultant.  After the training agreement is signed and filed with the Ministry, you are considered to be a registered apprentice.  At specific stages of your training, the Apprenticeship Branch consultant will arrange for you to take classroom instruction in theory (usually at a Community College).

Apprentices are workers, so you will be paid while you gain work experience, and your wages will increase with the level of your skills.

At the completion of the apprenticeship period, apprentices are eligible to write the provincial examination for a Certificate of Qualification for the trade.

An apprenticeship provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills and judgement.

What are the possible careers in the skilled trades?  The skilled trades are often divided into four main groups:

1.  Motive Power Sector - Motive power apprenticeships lead to careers in servicing cars, marine engines, heavy equipment, motorcycles, and farm equipment.

2.  Construction Sector - Construction apprenticeships lead to jobs contributing to the building of homes, offices, factories, sports arenas and hospitals.

3.  Service Sector - Services sector apprenticeships consist of a variety of skilled trades, from personal and business services to tourism and hospitality.

4.  Manufacturing or Industrial Sector - Manufacturing and industrial apprenticeships train skilled workers in precision machining, tooling trades, wood making and millwrighting.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR A CAREER IN THE SKILLED TRADES?

• While you are in high school, take skilled trades related courses. 

• Find an employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice.  You can find such an employer through OYAP, an Apprenticeship Office, a union, word of mouth or by contacting employers directly.

• Go to apprenticesearch.com where you can research and investigate a variety of apprenticeship opportunities, find a good fit for you, keep track of your choices and provides information about application.  

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

• Ask your Co-op Department about the Co-op (Co-operative Education) options that are available in your school for grades 11/12, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP).  If you are entering Grade 11 and are at least 16 years old, you can register for OYAP.  OYAP will allow you to work towards a career in a skilled trade as a registered apprentice, and eventually a certified skilled worker or journeyperson, while you complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.  See your Co-op Department for details.

Pre-Apprenticeship Training

• If you have been unable to find an employer sponsor by the time that you finish high school, consider taking a "pre-apprenticeship" program through a college to acquire the basic skills that will increase your marketability to a prospective employer.

• You can get this training through different organizations, such as colleges or community agencies, across Ontario.

• It’s free – costs for textbooks, safety equipment and tools are also covered.

• The training goes for up to 52 weeks and starts at different times throughout the year.

• Pre-apprenticeship training also includes a work placement for eight to 12 weeks.

• You can search for pre-apprenticeship training near you – then apply directly to the organization offering it.

• If you want help finding and applying to an organization, contact Employment Ontario.

  • • • https://www.ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario has a list of all the services they offer!

• There are programs for youth or adults who:

• graduated from high school

• left before finishing high school

• are unemployed or underemployed (age and eligibility for Employment Insurance are not considered)

• are Indigenous, newcomers to Canada, women, Francophone or youth-at-risk

• You can receive:

• safety training for skilled trades

• training to improve your academic skills

• basic level apprenticeship in-school training

Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program

• You can take college courses and start training as an apprentice in a skilled trade through this program.

• Depending on the trade, you can complete the program in 2 years, and have both a college diploma and completed apprenticeship requirements toward your apprenticeship certification in a skilled trade.

• You have to qualify for the college program and for apprenticeship for the trade.

• How you qualify will differ based on the college you want to attend and trade you want to enter. You can start with a search for colleges that offer the Co-op Diploma Program to see how you qualify for each school.

  • • • go to www.ontariocolleges.ca to start your search!