The Apprenticeship Pathway

Apprenticeship is an educational pathway that provides on-the-job work experience and technical training. This pathway leads to certification in over 150 apprenticeable trades and access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills, judgment and creativity.

The apprenticeship pathway invites students with a goal of entering the skilled trades to ‘earn while they learn.’ This pathway can begin in secondary school with their participation in an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and/or a concentrated OYAP co-op program. Employers provide about 90 per cent of apprenticeship training in the workplace, and the remaining 10 per cent involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually delivered at an approved community college or training delivery agent.

Post-Secondary Destination: Apprenticeship

For an overview of the Apprenticeship Pathway be sure to check out the Post-Secondary Destination: Apprenticeship

This pathway can be very specific to the student pursuing it, and it is highly recommended that students work closely with their Guidance Counsellor to create a plan that is well suited to their particular needs and goals. Upon successful completion of the practical and in-school components, an apprentice has an opportunity to write the provincial/interprovincial exam to become a certified journeyperson in a skilled trade.

What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is an educational pathway that combines on-the-job training, work, experience and technical training that leads to certifications in over 150 trades.

The apprenticeship pathway may be a great fit for students who:

Learn best by doing;
Enjoy working with their hands;
Show a strong work ethic;
Demonstrate a courteous, positive and responsible attitude; and
Would like to explore career options while they are attending secondary school and make the transition from school to work more easily.

Program Requirements

To be eligible for OYAP, students must:

Be in a cooperative education placement in an apprenticeship trade;
Have successfully completed a minimum of 14 credits toward their OSSD;
Be at least 15 years of age; and
Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a secondary school.

Note: Secondary school students who obtain their OSSD but return to a secondary school for additional credits (i.e. “fifth year”) are also eligible for OYAP.

Program Duration

Duration is dependent upon the trade and the mode in which one goes into the Apprenticeship. This includes secondary school cooperative education or through a concentrated OYAP program that allows students to attain a Level 1 designation and secondary school credits at the same time.
Typically, an apprenticeship takes between three to five years to complete.

Application Process

An apprenticeship is formal training for those who want a career in the skilled trades. It combines training on the job and in the classroom. How you prepare depends on your situation:

you’re a youth or adult and not in secondary school or college
you’re in secondary school, either Grade 11 or 12
you’re in or about to go to college

Item	Cost
Registration with College of Trades	$60/year (free for OYAP students until they graduate)
Total School Registration	$400 per 8-week course, $600 per 10-week course (usually 2-3 courses per apprenticeship)
Write Certificate of Qualification	$150
Total	Approx. $1,410

The Ontario government provides financial support to apprentices. During your time working and studying, you can get funding:

To help you buy tools you need for your trade
Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your certificate
If you are studying full-time
If you have a disability

Learn more about Ontario’s financial supports for apprentices.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development primarily communicates with apprentices through email. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date to ensure you receive correspondence.

Supports for Students

Your skilled trades employer as well as the college at which you complete components of your apprenticeship training will offer you a range of support to ensure that you are feeling well equipped in your journey to the trades.

Next Steps

Begin looking at the more than 140 different Skilled Trades.
Follow the eight steps for Graduating OYAP Apprentices.
Check out the OYAP website and the many resources it offers students, including the Student FAQ page.