Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is the best kept secret in the world today! Apprentices are employees who earn a salary for the work they do while they develop their skills under the direction of experienced workers. In addition to being paid to learn, apprentices’ wages increase with the level of their skill.

In a combination of on-the-job learning and in-class instruction, apprentices are learning the tools of their trade through first-hand experience and the guiding hands of trained professionals. Approximately 80 per cent of an apprentice’s training is hands on while the rest is done at either a local community college or approved training organization.

The length of each apprenticeship is dependant on the trade the apprentice decides to enter but can be anywhere from two to five years. Once on-the-job and in-class requirements have been met, an apprentice will complete the provincial/territorial trade exam which allows them to work in their field as a fully-qualified tradesperson.

Apprenticeship is about the satisfaction of a job well done and being paid well to do work that you love. With a high demand for skilled workers in the labour force today, there’s no end to how far an apprentice can go in his/her chosen career!

What is Offered?

While you may hear the word apprenticeship and automatically think of construction trades, you’d be surprised to learn how many exciting jobs offer apprenticeship training. In nearly every industry there is an avenue for apprentices to make their way into their field. Bakers, hair stylists, agriculturalists and auto mechanics are just a few of the careers which qualify for apprenticeship training.

Apprenticeships are available in nearly every aspect of Ontario’s economy and with a rapidly changing workforce there is a high demand for those willing to work hard and learn new skills. With over 200 jobs in the skilled trades, there are plenty of opportunities available in the various industry sectors. Here are just a few of the typical industries and jobs that offer apprenticeship.

What Does it Take?

The requirements and responsibilities vary in each industry. While strength is often required for construction and labour jobs, strength of character and communication skills are needed for service jobs like hair stylists or social workers. Generally, apprentices must have perseverance, drive, and a dedication to meeting their career goals! Those who are able to work well with others, adapt to different work settings, and learn well through hands-on experience are well-suited for apprenticeships.

How Do I Get Started?

Depending on which industry you want to enter there are a variety of ways of obtaining an apprenticeship, but generally to become an apprentice you must:

Decide which trade you would like to enter and in which province you would like to work. Each province and trade has different requirements for entry into an apprenticeship.
Have completed Grade 12, though depending on the career you choose they may accept Grade 10.
Contact your provincial/territorial government apprenticeship office. Each province or territory will have a different agency available to meet apprentices’ needs in their region.
Find an employer who is willing to hire you.