Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities

Apprenticeship – What is it and how does it work?

Apprenticeships are hands-on training programs for people who want to work in skilled trades or occupations. About 90% of apprenticeship involves on-the-job training by sponsors or employers. The remaining component involves related theoretical training, usually obtained at a college of applied arts and technology or another approved training delivery agency.

Training agreements between apprentices and their training sponsor or employer are prepared by training consultants of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. In accordance with legislation, each training agreement is an individualized contract or training plan between a person who wants to learn a skilled trade and a training sponsor or an employer.

Both apprentices and training sponsors/employers benefit from apprenticeship training. Apprentices learn to become qualified tradespeople or journeypersons, while training sponsors or employers gain highly skilled employees with up-to-date knowledge and work techniques. Jobs in skilled trades provide challenging work and good careers.

How long does an apprenticeship last?

Most apprenticeships take two to five years to complete, depending on the trade. At the time of registration, prior education and related work experience are considered, where appropriate, to potentially reduce the length of the program. Flexible in-school training options are generally available to meet the specific needs of apprentices and their training sponsor/employer.

What are the entrance requirements?

When a person who wants to be an apprentice has found a training sponsor or employer willing to engage in apprenticeship training, either the person or the training sponsor/employer should contact the local apprenticeship office. A training consultant will arrange a meeting at the workplace to assess the ability of the training sponsor/employer to be able to train the potential apprentice as well as assessing any pre-existing qualifications that the potential apprentice may have. The training consultant will then prepare a customized training agreement or contract in order to initiate the training.

Can a student start an apprenticeship while attending high school?

Yes. The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program offers students who have at least completed Grade 10 an opportunity to become registered apprentices while finishing high school. Eligible students should contact their guidance counsellor, technical director or local apprenticeship office for more information.

What is "Interprovincial" designation?

The Interprovincial Standards Program or 'Red Seal' Program was established to provide greater labour mobility for skilled workers who wish to move from one part of Canada to another. It encourages the standardization of provincial/territorial training and certification programs. A Red Seal certificate is recognized by provinces participating in the program. Many Ontario trades are part of the Red Seal Program. In those trades, people who are eligible to challenge the trade examinations may, if successful, receive a Certificate of Qualification with a distinctive red seal that allows them to also qualify to work in other Canadian provinces and territories.

For more information contact:

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Training Division
870 Richmond Street, Chatham, Ontario
Telephone: 519.354.2766
Toll-Free: 1.800.214.8284
Fax: 519.354.3094
Email: pat.colosanti@edu.gov.on.ca