THE ONTARIO
APPRENTICESHIP SYSTEM
An Overview
APPRENTICESHIP: BASIC FACTS
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Apprenticeship is a model of training whereby the trade,
occupation or skill set is learned directly from a tradesperson.
Approximately 90 percent of apprenticeship training is provided
in the workplace by experienced tradespersons. Apprentices
earn while they learn.
Ten per cent of the training (theory and application) occurs in
school through community colleges or other approved training
organizations.
Most apprenticeship training programs are two to five years in
duration, depending on the trade/occupation.
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APPRENTICESHIP: BASIC FACTS
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In 2007-08, the apprenticeship system served over 75,200 active
apprentices and more than 28,000 employers
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26,000 new apprentices were registered in 2007/08
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There are currently 650,000 certified journeypersons in Ontario
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There are over 130 apprenticeable trades and occupations
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Apprenticeship Trade Sectors
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Construction
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Industrial
Motive Power
Service
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Construction Sector includes...
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Electrician
Carpenter
Plumber
Boilermaker
Hoisting Engineer
R/AC Mechanic
Sheet Metal Worker
Brick & Stone Mason
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Manufacturing/Industrial
Sector includes….
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General Machinist
Mould Maker
Tool and Die Maker
Industrial Mechanic
Millwright
Industrial
Woodworker
Industrial Electrician
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Motive Power Sector
includes...
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Heavy Duty Equipment
Mechanic
Auto Service Technician
Auto Body Repairer
Marine Mechanic
Automotive Electronic
Accessory Technician
Truck & Coach
Technician
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Service Sector includes...
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Horticulturist
Hairstylist
Cook
Baker
Arborist
Network Cabling
Specialist
Early Childhood
Educator
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The Apprenticeship Process
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Employer/Sponsor and Employee meet minimum requirements
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Contract/Training Agreement registered
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Training Standards issued
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Apprentice works/trains with Employer and attends theoretical
(in – school) training
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Completion of terms of Training Agreement/Contract of
Apprenticeship.
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Exam/Certification/Journeyperson
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The Apprenticeship Process: Registration
Apprentices must find a sponsor or employer to train them
before they can be registered as apprentices.
Eligibility Requirements
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Employer:
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Must have qualified personnel to conduct training
Must have equipment and machinery to deliver training to ministry
approved standards
Must be in compliance with all occupational legislation
Apprentice:
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Must be 16 years of age or older
Must have an employer or sponsor willing and capable to train
Must meet academic entry requirement for the trade
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The Apprenticeship Process: On-the-Job Training
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Apprentices are paid by their sponsor or employer while they
train on-the-job, and receive Employment Insurance benefits
while they attend in-school training (full time only).
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The sponsor or employer registers an apprentice through
Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities field offices.
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A Ministry Training Consultant monitors the progress of the
apprentice’s training.
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When the apprentice completes both on-the-job and in-school
training, s/he may apply to write the Certificate of Qualification
examination.
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The Apprenticeship Process: In-School Training
Flexible Delivery of in-school Training
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Block Release
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Apprentice attends one in-school session per year (approximately 8
weeks)
Alternative Forms of Delivery are increasing:
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Part-time School – some apprentices attend school one day per week
or in the evening throughout the year
Distance Delivery – study guides; e-learning through Internet and CD
ROMs and, in future, video teleconferencing
College/Employer Partnerships – some colleges deliver schooling at
the employer’s worksite
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The Apprenticeship Process: Certification
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When the apprentice completes both on-the-job and in-school
training, s/he receives a Certificate of Apprenticeship.
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Where an exam exists for the trade, the apprentice must receive
a minimum of 70% to receive a Certificate of Qualification.
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The Red Seal Program: National Standard agreed to by all
provinces
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There are 46 Red Seal trades
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Certified journeypersons can work in any province or territory.
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The Apprenticeship Process: Costs
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Registration Fees - $40.00 paid by apprentice
On-the-Job Training – responsibility of employer to abide by
Employment Standards Act (ESA).
Theory/In-school Training – classroom fee of $10.00 per day of
training paid by the apprentice; remaining costs (approximately
80 %) paid by the Ministry.
Examination – $40.00 paid by apprentice
Certificates and Renewals – $60.00
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How Do I Become an Apprentice?
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Determine the area or trade you want as a career. Help is
available to help to choose a career path
Find an employer willing to take you on as an apprentice. Job
search help is available if you need it
Most Community Colleges offer the in school portion for
particular trades. Many also offer pre-apprenticeship
programs.
Some companies have joint union-management Board of
Directors and funded through union/employer contributions.
These centres also serve as Local Apprenticeship
Committees that can sign up new apprentices. In these cases
the union can guide you through the processes
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How Do I Become an Apprentice?
The Employment Ontario Network:
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Ontario Employment Resource Centres provide help with career
explorations and how to find a job.
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A job developer/employment counsellor can work with you
individually to find an employer.
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Help you to explore career options
Help you with job searching tools and information
Provide information about training options
Suggest other services that may help you.
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http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/tcu/jobseekers/resourceCentres.html
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Assistance Programs
The Apprenticeship Scholarship and
Employer Signing Bonus:
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Supports training for youth who have left school
but require upgrading to meet apprenticeship
requirements.
A $1,000 scholarship for a young person who
completes upgrading and registers as an
apprentice;
A $2,000 per apprentice signing bonus for the
employer who provides apprenticeship training.
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