What Apprenticeship Looks Like

An apprenticeship in the skilled trades is an opportunity to work in an environment that 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 post-secondary institutions.
1. Do your Research
2. Find a Sponsor
3. Training Agreement
4. Let's Get to Work
5. Trade School
6. Success!
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DO YOUR RESEARCH

A career in the skilled trades provides a rewarding experience that can take you almost anywhere in the world to work. You can build new skills, refine old ones, or explore something new with a trade.

When deciding to enter the trades, consider the time commitment to complete the apprenticeship and whether you will be happy doing that work.

Whether you’re in school or not, you can still complete school credits required to work in the trade you’re interested in. Make sure you look at all the available resources– Night school, day school, or adult education programs may offer the necessary courses.

Important Research Links

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Explore various construction skilled trades, prerequisites, and salary expectations

Over 35 Skilled Trades to See

Explore trades, prerequisites, and technical information needed to begin your apprenticeship

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Learn about your employee rights, grants opportunities, and more

Apprenticeship Information
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Find a Trade (or two) that you could realistically see yourself doing as a career

When looking at the skilled trades as a possible career path, it is essential to look at what the job entails and if you’re interested in that type of career.

If you have a fear of heights, or dislike working outdoors all year round, becoming an Ironworker or Glazer may not be the best option for you. Personal likes and dislikes will help shape your decision making.

Consider your personal strengths (high attention to detail, working with your hands, precision work)and look for trades which suit your skill sets.

We recommend people explore at least 2 different trades which will help open up their training possibilities.

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Make a checklist of what prerequisites you have or are missing and how to get them

Once you have an idea of what trades you’re interested in perusing, look at any and all prerequisites you may need before you begin an apprenticeship.

For example, Electricians need to have their senior English, Math and Physics credits. Plumbers require their grade 12 Math and English.

If you’re missing these credits, you would need to look into night school or an alternative method to obtain them.

Also consider the length of the apprenticeship, and if this is something you would wish to pursue. Construction Craft Worker apprenticeship is about 2 years, whereas a Brick & Stone Mason is about 4 years with a similar prerequisite.

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Reach out to friends, family, or community partners for networking possibilities

Take time to talk to tradespeople in your environment and get their feedback. Check in with local career fairs, union Question & Answer sessions, or community groups to ask questions as it pertains to your situation.

Inquire about Union in-takes, ‘nice to have’ certificates, and how busy work is and if they’re hiring.

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OBCT'S Skilled Trades Information Session

Are you considering a career in the skilled trades? Our sister program, the Ontario Building & Construction Tradeswomen, hosts a virtual call on the 1st Monday of the month, allowing you to talk directly with working tradeswomen who know the industry and can answer any questions you may have.

Check out the next session here!
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FIND A SPONSOR & SUBMIT

A sponsor (an employer) will agree to hire and pay you to work as an apprentice. You can find a sponsor by contacting your local Trade Unions, Construction Contractors or through connections in your community.

Once you have found a sponsor, you should submit your application for an apprenticeship through the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) if you’re 16 to 17 years old, and through Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) for everyone else. 

You haven’t started your apprenticeship without a sponsor and submitting your application. Ensure your employer completes a Registered Training Agreement (RTA) so your work hours count towards your apprenticeship. If a trade union takes you on, they will complete and submit this application on your behalf because you’re a member.

The MLITSD/STO will review your application and contact your employer to let them know if it was successful.

Different Ways to Find a Sponsor for your Apprenticeship

Join a Union

Trade unions are the leaders in the industry for a reason. If you have the opportunity to get a union to sponsor your apprenticeship, they will take care of the majority of your paperwork while you’re learning.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

Available for high school students, an OYAP coordinator can help students learn more about the skilled trades and get them into pre-apprenticeship opportunities.

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Job Boards and Company Websites

There is so many different websites and companies dedicated to job hunting. Consider different companies and industries who do this kind of work, and search for Boards with may be hiring. You can always call specific companies and see how their hiring process works for new apprentices.

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TRAINING AGREEMENT

When your application is approved and the RTA is signed, a contract exists between the MLITSD, 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 completing your apprenticeship.

Screenshot of STO’s website portal

Starting April 2, 2025, Skilled Trades Ontario will take on the responsibility for key apprenticeship and certifying exam functions. Read more.​

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LET’S GET TO WORK

While on-the-job, you can expect to work under the direction and guidance of an experienced Journeyperson (someone who has completed their apprenticeship and is qualified to work in their trade). As an apprentice, you are being paid to learn.

In a unionized work environment, you are paid based on a percentage of a Journeyperson’s rate. As you accumulate hours worked as an apprentice, your pay rate will increase until you are qualified.

Learn the tools of the trade from a qualified Journeyperson

Learn & Earn
Get paid to learn your trade!

Be sure to document your hours worked

 

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TRADE SCHOOL

Your on-the-job training will be supplemented during your apprenticeship by allowing you 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 tradespeople who teach the next generation of apprentices – some even continue to work in the field.

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TRADE SCHOOL

Once you have satisfied all your apprenticeship requirements (regarding hours worked and in-class training), you will be cleared to write 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 field and in-class hours and have exams and practical tests. Once your apprenticeship is complete, you will earn a Journeyperson wage.