Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are post-secondary programs that combine on-the-job and in-school training. Each province or territory has certain designated trades or occupations for which there are apprenticeship programs. Compulsory trades can only be practiced by registered apprentices or certified tradespeople. Voluntary trades do not require registration or certification to practice.Trades that have apprenticeship programs are often called the skilled trades—these trades usually involve “hands-on” work and require a specific set of technical skills.

There are skilled trades in virtually every sector of the economy, including construction, transportation, and automotive manufacturing.

There are many chances for advancement within a trade, to supervisory or management positions, or to owning one’s own business.

The skilled trades include:

• electricians
• carpenters
• plumbers
• steamfitters
• brick and stone masons
• tool and die makers
• machinists
• millwrights
• facilities maintenance technicians
• automotive service technicians
• farm equipment mechanics
• heavy duty equipment mechanics
• auto body repairers
• cooks
• bakers
• arborists
• horticulturists
• hairstylists.

Entrance requirements vary by trade and province/territory. Generally, high school completion is required. In some provinces/territories, apprenticeship credits may be earned in high school. Strong skills are required in reading, writing, math, and science.

Candidates must find an employer and register as apprentices with the province/territory. Apprentices pay tuition fees for in-school training, but earn a wage while learning on-the-job, at rates set by the provincial/territorial government or through collective agreements negotiated by unions.

Apprentices usually spend 40 to 44 weeks on-the-job and 6 to 8 weeks in school each year.

An apprentice becomes qualified as a journeyperson after completing all in-school training, working a prescribed number of hours, and passing required exams. Apprenticeships normally take two to five yearsto complete.

Certain trades are designated Red Seal trades. Red Seal endorsement allows qualified tradespersons to practice in any province/territory where the trade is designated without having to write further examinations.