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What apprenticeship looks like
An apprenticeship in the skilled trades is an opportunity to work in an environment which combines hands-on experience under the supervision of seasoned journeypersons, and in-school technical training at world class training facilities operated by Trade Unions and/or post secondary institutions.
Do your research
A career in the skilled trades provides a rewarding experience that can take you almost anywhere in the world to work. With a trade you can build new skills, refine old ones, or explore something completely new.
When making a decision to enter the trades, think about the time commitment it will take, and whether or not you find it rewarding.
Whether you’re in school or not, you can still complete any classes required to work in the trade you’re interested in. Make sure you look at all the resources available to you – Night school, day school, or adult education programs may offer the courses you need.
Find a sponsor & submit
A sponsor (also known as an employer) is someone who will agree to hire and pay you to work as an apprentice for them. You can find a sponsor by contacting your local Trade Unions, Construction Contractors, and through connections in your community.
Once you have found a sponsor, you should be submitting your application for apprenticeship through Skilled Trades Ontario.
Without a sponsor and application submitted, you haven’t started your apprenticeship yet. If you’re taken on by a trade union, they will complete and submit this application as part of your membership on your behalf.
Skilled Trades Ontario will review your application and will contact your employer to let them know if your application was successful.
Training agreement
When your application is approved, a training agreement is created between Skilled Trades Ontario, your sponsor, and you. This agreement registers you for apprenticeship training, and starts your journey into a career in the skilled trades. Once this agreement is active, your working hours count towards the completion of your apprenticeship.
Let's get to work
*This is an example of an apprenticeship timeline and not the rule for all apprenticeships. Please consult your Sponsor to confirm the details of your specific apprenticeship
A sponsor (also known as an employer) is someone who will agree to hire and pay you to work as an apprentice for them. You can find a sponsor by contacting your local Trade Unions, Construction Contractors, and through connections in your community.
Once you have found a sponsor, you should be submitting your application for apprenticeship through Skilled Trades Ontario.
Without a sponsor and application submitted, you haven’t started your apprenticeship yet. If you’re taken on by a trade union, they will complete and submit this application as part of your membership on your behalf.
Skilled Trades Ontario will review your application and will contact your employer to let them know if your application was successful.
Trade School
Your on-the-job training will be supplemented during your apprenticeship by providing you the ability to attend trade (or technical) school. Trade school takes your job site into the classroom so you can enhance your knowledge and abilities with trade specific concepts such as trade theory, building codes, blueprint reading and trade related mathematics. Your instructors are all subject matter experts in their field, and many are still active skilled trade professionals.
Success!
Once you have satisfied all the requirements of your apprenticeship (in terms of hours worked and in-class training), you will be cleared to receive your Certificate of Qualification (C of Q). The final step to achieve your C of Q can differ for each trade. All trades require completion of hours in the field and in-class hours, some have exams, and some have more! Once your apprenticeship is complete, you will earn a Journeyperson wage, and it only goes up from there!