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What is an apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a work-based post-secondary pathway, combining on-the-job learning and time in class to develop skills in-demand across Canada.
An apprentice is a paid employee who works under the supervision of a certified journeyperson to learn the skills of their trade.
Approximately 80% of their time is spent on the job and 20% in technical training.

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What is an apprenticeship?

An apprentice

Must be registered with the regional apprenticeship authority and fulfill all requirements established by their province or territory.
Can qualify for financial supports, including Employment Insurance while in school.

A journeyperson

Has completed all training requirements to be certified
Has passed a certification exam.
May act as a mentor to a registered apprentice in addition to working in their trade.

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What are some apprentice-able trades?

There are more than 300 skilled trades occupations recognized across Canada
There are currently over 150 trades to choose from in Ontario in four sectors: construction, industrial, motive power and service

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/trades-information/

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What is a red seal?

The Interprovincial Red Seal Program is a national standard of excellence.
The Red Seal is now recognized by employers as an indication that a journeyperson has met a common standard of knowledge and experience in their trade.
The Red Seal is an endorsement to the provincial/territorial certificate of qualification provided upon passing the Red Seal exam with a score of at least 70%.
http://www.red-seal.ca/trades/tr.1d.2s_l.3st-eng.html

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Becoming an Apprentice

Complete your OSSD:

30 Credits

Literacy

Volunteer Hours

Choose your trade

Do your research

www.myblueprint.ca/ddsb

www.ontario.ca

https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/

www.ontariocolleges.ca/apply/skilled-trades

The Trades Report (password trades2425)

Find an employer and Register at:

https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship

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Becoming an Apprentice

Work and log your hours

This can take 2-5 years

Attend College for in-class learning sessions in between periods of work

Write your provincial exam if required for your Red Seal

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FINANCIAL AID

While you’re an apprentice, you may be eligible for federal or provincial grants and loans.
There are also financial incentives for your employer/sponsor.
The Canada Apprentice Loan provides up to $4,000 per period of technical training to apprentices in Red Seal trades to help them complete their training.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/loan.html

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Financial Aid

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, up to a maximum amount of $2,000 per person.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/apprentices/grants.html

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant for Women

Up to $6000 - $3000/training level

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/apprenticeship-incentive-women-overview.html

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OYAP

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program.

Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school.

https://oyap.com/oyap/

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OYAP

Additionally, the Durham District School Board offers students the opportunity to apply for Accelerated Level One programs where students earn the first level of their Apprenticeship training in the final semester of high school.
Students Need to apply in February of their grade 11 year
To apply, students must plan on completing all of their compulsory courses during the first semester of their Grade twelve school year.

http://www.ddsb.ca/Programs/Secondary/Oyap/Pages/default.aspx

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COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Some students will pursue a college diploma or certificate in order to help them to get hired as an apprentice.
Durham College has two-year diploma programs in Welding Engineering Technician, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Building Construction Technician.
Durham also has one-year certificate programs in Trades Fundamentals, Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing, Electrical Techniques

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NEXT STEPS

Research the skilled trades. Check high school courses that might be required for your apprenticeship.
Explore any connections that you may have with potential employers. Talk to them about expectations and what might be required to be hired as an apprenticeship.
Research college programs to see if any might be beneficial to pursue before your apprenticeship.
Investigate whether OYAP is a possibility in your trade. Speak to the Co-op teachers at O’Neill to learn more.
Make a Guidance appointment and talk about your pathway with your counsellor.