Apprenticeship
Why choose the skilled trades?
- Advances in technology are changing the nature of work in the trades. Changing technologies are also creating more new jobs every year.
- Canada is going to have a dramatic demand for people with excellent technical skills training in the skilled trades and technologies.
- Many tradespeople today will be retiring in the next ten years, leading to a shortage of skilled employees.
- Skilled tradespeople earn higher than average incomes.
- Many skilled tradespeople own their own businesses.
- 40% of new jobs will be in skilled trades and technologies in the next two decades.
What is an apprenticeship?
- A combination of on-the-job- training and classroom instruction
- 80-90 per cent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace
- 10-20 per cent involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college, or provided through another approved training organization
- Length of the apprenticeship varies depending on the trade
What is the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program?
The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a specialized program that enables students who are 16 years of age or older to meet secondary diploma requirements while participating in an occupation that requires apprenticeship.
What does “Trade Certification” mean?
To be employed in certain skilled trades, workers must have a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate states that they have passed the provincial qualification exam that assesses their knowledge of their skilled trade. To write the provincial exam, applicants must prove they have experience in the trade.
How many skilled trades are there?
There are over 130 skilled trades that can be classified into five sectors – Construction, Service, Industrial, Motive Power and Human Services. For example, Brick & Stone Mason, Carpenter, Construction Boilermaker, Draftsperson, Electrician, Facilities System Technician, Ironworker, Heating System Mechanic, Industrial Electrician, Plumber, Auto Body Technician, Baker, Cook, Motive Power Machinist, Small Engine Technician, Early Childhood Educator, Optics Technician, Horticulturist, Hairstylist, Glazier & Metal Mechanic, Industrial, Woodworker, Metal Mould Maker, Painter and Decorator, Machinist, Pattern Maker, Steel Fitter, Tool and Die Maker, Industrial Millwright
How do I get more information?
- Contact your school’s guidance department
- Contact Barb Finan, OYAP Facilitator, at:
The New Street Education Centre
3250 New Street
Burlington, ON
L7N 1M8
Telephone: 905-631-6120 ext. 449
- Visit the Ministry of Education and Training at the website: www.edu.gov.on.ca for valuable apprenticeship information.
Check out www.apprenticesearch.com