What is an
apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship
is a paid job that provides a hands-on training program for people who
want to work in a skilled trade and who enjoy learning by doing. e.g.
Automotive Service Technician, Electrician, Baker, Tool and Die Maker.
About
90 per cent of apprenticeship training is workplace-based training, under the
direction of experienced workers. An apprentice is given a Training Standard
Manual or Schedule of Training to ensure that they are trained to the standards
of skill and safety set by the industry. The remainder of the time
involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local
community college or provided by another approved training organization.
Once you have found an
employer who is willing to train you, both you and the employer will sign a
training agreement prepared by an Apprenticeship Branch
consultant. After the training agreement is signed and filed with
the Ministry, you are considered to be a registered apprentice. At specific
stages of your training, the Apprenticeship Branch consultant will arrange for
you to take classroom instruction in theory (usually at a Community
College).
Apprentices are
workers, so you will be paid while you gain work experience, and your wages will
increase with the level of your skills.
At the completion of
the apprenticeship period, apprentices are eligible to write the provincial
examination for a Certificate of Qualification for the
trade.
An apprenticeship
provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills and
judgement.
What are the possible
careers in the skilled trades? The skilled trades are often
divided into four main groups:
1.
Motive Power Sector - Motive power
apprenticeships lead to careers in servicing cars, marine engines, heavy
equipment, motorcycles, and farm equipment.
2.
Construction Sector
- Construction apprenticeships lead to jobs contributing to the
building of homes, offices, factories, sports arenas and
hospitals.
3.
Service Sector -
Services sector apprenticeships consist of a variety of skilled trades, from
personal and business services to tourism and hospitality.
4.
Manufacturing or Industrial Sector -
Manufacturing and industrial apprenticeships train skilled workers in precision
machining, tooling trades, mould making and
millwrighting.
How can I
prepare for a career in the skilled trades?
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Visit Apprenticeship Subject Pathways to
determine the minimum educational requirements and the English, mathematics, and
science courses that are recommended for your apprenticeship.
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Ask your Co-op Department about the Co-op (Co-operative Education) options that are
available in your school for grades 11/12, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
(OYAP). If you are entering Grade 11 and are at least 16 years
old, you can register for OYAP. OYAP will allow you to work towards a career in
a skilled trade as a registered apprentice, and eventually a certified skilled
worker or journeyperson, while you complete your Ontario Secondary School
Diploma. See your Co-op Department for details.
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If you have been unable to find an employer sponsor by the time that
you finish high school, consider taking a "pre-apprenticeship" program through a
college to acquire the basic skills that will increase your marketability to a
prospective employer.
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See your Guidance Counsellor.