Short answer: You start a trade by finding an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice, registering the apprenticeship with your province, and then alternating paid work with blocks of technical training until you qualify to write the certification exam.
How does an apprenticeship work?
Most of your learning, around four-fifths, happens on the job under a certified journeyperson, and you are paid throughout. The rest is classroom and shop training at a college or training centre, usually a few weeks each year. Apprenticeships commonly take two to five years, depending on the trade, and your wage rises as you complete each level.
What is the Red Seal?
The Red Seal is a national standard for dozens of trades. Passing the Red Seal exam adds an endorsement to your provincial certificate that is recognized across Canada, which makes it far easier to work in another province.
Which trades are in demand?
- electrician (construction and industrial)
- plumber, steamfitter and pipefitter
- welder
- carpenter
- heavy duty equipment and automotive service technician
- industrial mechanic (millwright)
- refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic
- cook
How do you find a first employer?
- Take a pre-apprenticeship or foundation program at a college; it gives you basic skills and employer contacts.
- Apply for labourer or helper jobs with contractors and ask about apprenticeship.
- Contact the local union hall for your trade about its intake process.
- Earn the basic safety tickets employers expect in your province.
- Search skilled trades jobs and construction jobs for postings that mention first-year apprentices.
Is certification required to work?
It depends on the trade and the province. In some trades you must be a registered apprentice or certified journeyperson to do the work at all. In others certification is voluntary but strongly preferred by employers.
Is there financial help?
Apprentices may qualify for Employment Insurance while attending technical training, and governments offer loans, grants and tax credits for apprentices and for tools. Your provincial apprenticeship office lists what is available.
What if you trained in another country?
You may be able to challenge the certification exam based on documented experience. See how credential recognition works.
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