Sat 1 Mar 2008
Apprenticeship is a way to learn job skills while you work and earn good wages. It combines classroom study with on-the-job experience that lets you earn while you learn a skilled trade. The apprenticeship program leads to professional certification as a journeyperson.
To enter an apprenticeship program, you need an employer who will sponsor you. To find a sponsor and register as an apprentice, you can either:
- Go through an apprenticeship and training committee
- Arrange employment through a labour organization
- Contact an employer directly
Each province/territory and trade has its own apprenticeship program and regulations. In general, to become an apprentice, you need to complete grade 12 or equivalent (some trades don’t require Grade 12, but many employers prefer high school graduates).
Depending where you apprentice and which trade you are training for:
- It can take from one to five years to complete your program and become a certified journeyperson
- You’ll spend about 80% of that time learning on the job
- You’ll spend the remaining 20% of your time studying in a classroom or shop setting
In some trades, you must be certified or registered as an apprentice in order to work. These are called compulsory trades. Other trades, called voluntary, offer apprenticeship programs and certification for people who want to improve their skills, employment opportunities and earnings.
Apprenticeship or industry training agreements have to be registered and your employer has to document the training you complete on the job.
Technical training for the in-class part of apprencticeship is offered at many public and private institutions. It’s your responsibility to choose a training institution and register. You’ll also have to work with your employer to schedule your classroom studies at appropriate times.
The apprenticeship system in Canada is promoted and supported by the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF), a not-for profit-organization.
For more information on becoming an apprentice, contact your provincial/territorial government office of apprenticeship and training:
- Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board (Government of Alberta)
- British Columbia Industry Training Authority
- Manitoba Advanced Education and Training, Apprenticeship Branch
- Department of Training and Employment Development, Apprenticeship and Certification (New Brunswick)
- Department of Education, Apprenticeship and Certification (Newfoundland and Labrador)
- Department of Education, Culture & Employment (Northwest Territories)
- Nova Scotia Department of Education, Apprenticeship Training and Skills Development
- Nunavut Department of Education
- Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
- Prince Edward Island Department of Education, Apprenticeship Branch
- Emploi-Québec
- Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission
- Yukon Territory Department of Education, Advanced Education Branch
Costs and earnings
Depending on where you apprentice and the trade you’re learning, you will earn between 30 to 50% of a journeyperson’s wage during your first year as an apprentice. In most programs, your pay will increase each year until you’re certified.
You will have to cover all or part of the cost of your classroom studies, so when you’re “shopping” for a school be sure to compare tuition fees, travel and living expenses, and other expenses such as books and service fees.
Apprenticeships cost very little. Generally, tuition costs for in-school technical training are $100-$800 per session, depending on the trade and the province or territory. The cost of training is also offset by your earnings. According to the Canadian Apprenticeship Forum (CAF) an apprentice learning a construction trade usually works for about 80% of the year.
You will probably not be paid while you’re doing classroom studies, but you may qualify for Employment Insurance benefits and some employers will “top up” EI benefits.
Because they earn while they learn, most people completing apprenticeship programs have much lower debt loads than university graduates entering the workforce.
Red Seal Certification
Each province and territory sets its own standards for certifying skilled construction workers. This means that certification in one place may not allow you to work in others.
The Red Seal Program uses national standards and lets you write an Interprovincial Standards Examination to obtain a Red Seal. The Red Seal allows you to practice your trade anywhere in Canada.
More than 80% of skilled construction workers are employed in Red Seal trades. The federal government is working to expand the use of Interprovincial Standards and to streamline the development of new Red Seal programs.
To find out whether a trade you’re interested in has a Red Seal program, go to Pick a career.
Earning Red Seal Certification involves:
- a) Graduating from a recognized provincial or territorial apprenticeship program, or
b) Earning a journeyperson certificate from your province or territory, and - Passing the Interprovincial Standards Examination for your trade.
The Red Seal examinations are administered through provincial and territorial certification and apprenticeship offices.
Red Seal certified trades
For information about Red Seal Certification, click on any of the following construction careers:
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Secondary school apprenticeship programs (SSAP)
Secondary school apprenticeship programs (SSAP) are offered in most provinces and territories. They let you get a head start on a construction career while you’re still in high school. Through on-the-job training, many of these programs allow you to earn credit towards both your certification and your high school diploma. Some of these programs also offer scholarships and awards for eligible students.
Whether you qualify for these programs depends on what province or territory you’re in and what construction trade you’re interested in. In most provinces and territories, you have to be at least 16 years old and have completed Grade 10.
SSAP involves an agreement between you, your employer and your school. Your work hours will depend on the agreement, but the options include:
- Working as an apprentice for one semester, and going to school the next
- Working half a day, and going to school the other half
- Working during the summer, and on holidays and weekends, and attending school during the regular term
- Working one or two days a week, and going to school the other days
If you’re already working part-time in construction, you may be able to register as a secondary school apprentice—ask your school’s career counsellor if the work you do qualifies.
If you take Career and Technology Studies (CTS) classes in high school, you may receive credits towards an apprenticeship. The same is true for some post-secondary training. These credits can shorten the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship and become a certified journeyperson.
For information on secondary school apprenticeship programs, click on your province or territory:
ALBERTA
Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)
The Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) lets you start apprenticeship training and earn wages while you’re completing high school. It also gives you access to other programs, including the Apprenticeship Training Program, Interprovincial Standard (Red Seal) Program, Prior Learning Assessment, and the Qualifications Certificate Program.
The program operates through an agreement between you, your employer and your school. You and your employer must complete an application/contract and send it to the Apprenticeship and Industry Training office to be registered.
Each year, RAP awards 500 Alberta students with $1,000 to help them continue in their apprenticeship programs.
There are also many apprenticeship scholarships available in Alberta that aren’t specific to RAP. Visit Apprenticeship and Industry Training for more information.
For more information, check out Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
Another option for getting a head start on your career while you’re still in school is to visit CAREERS: The Next Generation. CAREERS is dedicated to helping Alberta students explore career options through workplace internships.
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Secondary School Apprenticeship (SSA)
The British Columbia Ministry of Education, Career and Applied Programs provide high school students with the chance to enrol in apprenticeship programs while finishing high school. The program offers $1,000 scholarships to eligible students.
To qualify you must be at least 15 years of age. For information on what kinds of work qualify for the program and about how to register, talk to your school’s career counselor or check out Industry Training and Apprenticeship Commission.
MANITOBA
Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO)
This program lets you start an apprenticeship while you are still in high school. It combines regular Senior Years school instruction with paid, part-time, on-the-job apprenticeship training.
To qualify, you must be at least 16 years old. You must be taking core subjects S1-4, have completed S2 and be enrolled in an approved Manitoba S3 or S4 program.
You also need a qualified and insured employer. The SYAO coordinator will work with you, your employer and your school guidance counsellor to ensure that you meet the academic requirements to graduate, and to schedule work time when you are not taking classes.
For more information, talk to your school guidance counsellor or click here.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP)
New Brunswick’s Youth Apprenticeship Program (YAP) is open to high school students completing Grades 10 or 11. The program gives you the chance to combine high school classes related to your career interests with on-the-job experience in the same field.
If you’re accepted into the program, you will work two summers for a minimum of 200 hours each year and receive a minimum of 100 hours of employability skills training. The training is delivered by professionals in the business community and takes place outside of regular school hours.
YAP provides you with a Record of Achievement that’s valuable as proof of your experience when you enter the workforce. Completion of the program also guarantees you a seat at New Brunswick Community College or preferred status at the University of New Brunswick in a program related to your work experience.
For more information, click here.
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP)
The Schools North Apprenticeship Program (SNAP) lets high school students become registered apprentices. If you enrol in SNAP, you can earn both time credits toward a journeyperson certificate and secondary school credits through Career and Technology Studies (CTS).
To qualify for SNAP, you must be 16 years of age and be taking courses for a high school diploma.
You must also go through a trial employment period lasting from one to three months before your employer will decide whether to sign you to an apprenticeship contract.
For more information on SNAP, you can talk to your school principal, career counsellor or SNAP coordinator, or contact the Northwest Territories Ministry of Education, Culture and Employment.
NOVA SCOTIA
Nova Scotia is launching a youth apprenticeship program in 2006. The program will be open to high school students who are 16 years of age and older. Through the youth apprenticeship program you will be able to work towards an apprenticeship while you’re in high school.
For more information, contact the Nova Scotia Department of Education.
ONTARIO
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
OYAP is a year-round co-op work/study program for high school students. OYAP lets you work as a registered apprentice while you complete your Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
To qualify you must:
- Be entering Grade 11 and be at least 16 years of age
- Have completed 16 credits with a 70% average
- Maintain a 70% average while you are in the two-year program
For more information, contact the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Accelerated Secondary Apprenticeship Program (ASAP)
The Accelerated Secondary Apprenticeship Program (ASAP) is Prince Edward Island’s youth apprenticeship program. It provides high school students with an opportunity to get a head start on their post-secondary apprenticeship training. Through a combination of on-the-job experience and course work, you can make money in the trade of your choice while earning credits toward both your apprenticeship and your high school diploma.
To qualify, you must be at least 16 years of age, enrolled in high school and employed full- or part-time in a designated trade.
For more information and to find out how to apply, click here.
QUEBEC
Quebec offers more than 450 vocational and technical education programs, which prepare students for the labour market in 21 sectors.
Vocational and technical programs operate under the apprenticeship system, which is run jointly by Emploi-Québec and the Québec Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport. The programs include at least one session of on-the-job training. Some alternate between classroom and workplace training, others include workplace experience at the end of in-school training.
Vocational education
Vocational education is offered in public and private secondary schools.
There are three types of programs:
- A Diploma of Vocational Studies (DVS)
- An Attestation of Vocational Specialization (AVS)
- A Vocational Education Certificate (VEC)
To enter a DVS program you must:
- Hold a Secondary School Diploma (SSD) or the equivalent, or
- Be 16 years of age by September 30 of the school year and have the Secondary III or IV credits, or the equivalent, required for your program
To enter an AVS program, you must have the prerequisite DVS or equivalent.
To enter a VEC program you must be at least 15 years of age and have passed the basic Secondary II courses in the language of instruction, mathematics and any additional credits required for the program.
Technical Education
Technical education is offered at the college level in CEGEPs and private institutions.
There are two types of programs:
- A diploma of college studies, or Diplôme d’études collégiales (DEC), or
- An attestation of college studies, or Attestation d’études collégiales (AEC)
To enter a DEC program you must meet the requirements of pre-university programs that lead to a DEC.
To enter an AEC program you must:
- Have interrupted your studies for two consecutive terms or one academic year
- Have completed at least one year of post secondary studies
AEC programs are developed by colleges in partnership with government and industry. They are only available for some construction trades. Ask your school counsellor for more information or visit the Québec Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport Inforoute.
SASKATCHEWAN
Saskatchewan is developing a youth apprenticeship program and will implement it in 2005-06, if resources allow. In the pilot program, which is being run in two high schools in 2005, students receive apprenticeship credit and work experience.
For more information contact the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
YUKON
Yukon Secondary School Apprenticeship Program (YSSAP)
YSSAP is open to Grade 11 and 12 students who would like to explore a construction career and complete high school at the same time. The program involves a semester of pre-apprenticeship courses and unpaid work placements that will help prepare you for employment as an apprentice.
For more information, talk to your school guidance counsellor or check out the Yukon Department of Education, Advanced Education website.
Apprenticeship programs for people in Aboriginal communities
In addition to the programs listed above, there are many programs across Canada designed to introduce Aboriginal Canadians to apprenticeship.
The Aboriginal Human Resource Development Council of Canada (AHRDCC) is developing new ways to increase skills and training opportunities. You can contact the Council for information on apprenticeship programs for people in Aboriginal communities across Canada.
A number of provinces are developing, or already have, initiatives aimed at improving access to apprenticeship training programs for Aboriginal Canadians. Most of the programs they offer are community-based. Some are being developed to incorporate First Nations’ languages and combine traditional values and practices with the skills required by today’s labour market.
To find out about specific provincial programs, check out the following links:
Alberta
The Alberta Aboriginal Apprenticeship Project (AAAP) was established in 2001 to promote apprenticeship and industry training to Aboriginal people, communities and organizations in Alberta. The AAAP currently operates in Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, High Level and Lethbridge.
For more information call toll free:
1-866-408-1840 (Edmonton Office)
1-866-655-2201 (Calgary Office)
British Columbia
Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AAIT) combines traditional practices with current labour skills in training programs designed for First Nations peoples. AAIT’s long term goal is to establish self-governed Aboriginal training programs that reinforce and incorporate native languages, traditions and values. Trainees receive counselling, financial and academic support, and have the opportunity to work in Aboriginal communities, businesses and industry.
AAIT has developed the following core programs:
- Carpentry Entry Level Training
- Aboriginal Women in Trades
- Math Upgrading
- Project Management
- Building Inspector
- Building Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship
For more information, check out Aboriginal Apprenticeship & Industry Training (AAIT).
Manitoba
Manitoba offers an Aboriginal Apprenticeship Training program that provides community-based training in First Nations and Métis communities. Band-sponsored apprentices gain on-the-job experience in their communities and don’t have to leave home to take technical training at school.
For more information, call toll free 1-877-978-7233 or click here.
Ontario
Ontario’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Working Group (OAAWG) is developing an Ontario-wide strategy to improve apprenticeship access and meaningful long-term employment options for Aboriginal peoples in the province.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan’s Aboriginal Apprenticeship Initiative is developing programs to help meet the needs and aspirations of Aboriginal people. It currently offers apprenticeship training in several construction trades, including carpenter, plumber and boom truck operator.
For more information, call 1-877-363-0536.
Related Alberta Jobs:
- Carpenter
- Millwright
- Heavy Equipment Mechanic
- Plumber
- Roofer
