Apprenticeship is a form of postsecondary education like university or college.  But there’s a big difference.  Apprentices not only learn skills in a classroom, but they also receive paid on-the-job training with an employer.

• Depending on the trade, an apprenticeship can take two to five years to complete.
• Apprentices usually spend 40 to 44 weeks a year on the job and go to school for six to eight weeks.
• Apprentices must find an employer and may need to pay tuition fees for in-school training.
• Apprentices earn a salary on the job from their first day.
• Apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification in a designated trade.

2. Why consider a career in skilled trades?

Here are a few answers.

RESPECT- Skilled trades play an important role in our economy and our society. Think about it - the sector touches almost every aspect of our lives from the homes we live in, to the cars we drive, to the food we eat. Canada depends on the work of the skilled trades industry and needs skilled tradespeople.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES- With over 200 careers to choose from, the skilled trades sector truly does offer something for everyone. As an apprentice, you receive postsecondary education through on-the-job training and in-school learning. This provides you with the skills to work almost anywhere in Canada. Skilled tradespeople are in demand all across the country. As the babyboom generation retires, this demand is only going to increase.

GOOD PAY- People in skilled trades are rewarded for their efforts with good pay. In fact, as an apprentice, you can start making money right away because you ‘earn while you learn.’ The best part, though, is that as a tradesperson you get paid well doing work you enjoy.

3. Grants and Scholarships

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year (level ) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.

Specifically, the AIG is meant to:

• Help cover some of the tuition, travel, and tool costs.
• Encourage apprentices to complete their apprenticeship program and get their Red Seal, which will allow them to apply their skills and knowledge anywhere in Canada.

What is the AIG?

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year, to a maximum of $2,000 per person. The grant is available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year (level), or equivalent, of an apprenticeship program in a Red Seal trade.

The AIG is meant to:

• Increase access to apprenticeships in the Red Seal trades by helping apprentices cover expenses such as the purchase of tools and other materials required for learning on-the-job and travel expenses associated with classroom training.
• Encourage an apprentice’s progression through the technical and on-the-job training requirements in the early years of their apprenticeship program, building momentum towards certification.
• Promote inter-provincial mobility by increasing the number of apprentices who remain in the Red Seal trades and obtain their Red Seal certification.

• A $1,000 scholarship for a young person who returns to school and completes academic upgrading to qualify for registration as an apprentice. The scholarship is awarded once the candidate has successfully completed upgrading, is employed, and is registered as an apprentice.
• A $2,000 signing bonus per apprentice for the employer who supports the candidate’s apprenticeship registration and provides apprenticeship training. Signing bonuses are awarded to the employer in two instalments: first, when the candidate is registered as an apprentice (50%) and six months later (50%) if the apprentice is still working and training with the same employer.

To qualify for an apprenticeship scholarship,the participant must:

• Be under 25 years of age.
• Have left school before completing the necessary academic requirement for registering in a trade.
• Be committed to achieving the necessary academic requirements within one year.
• Demonstrate an interest in the skilled trades.

The Employer must:

• Be licensed to operate in Ontario.
• Provide employment in Ontario.
• Must hire, train, and register a scholarship candidate as an apprentice.
• Be approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities to provide apprenticeship training.

4. How Employment Options Can Help

If you are thinking of becoming an apprentice, Employment Options can help you!

• Free service to help you plan your career and choose the right training options.
• Help with your résumé, cover letter, and interview skills.
• Assist in finding an employer who will provide an apprenticeship opportunity and on-the-job training.
• Assist financially with the purchase of tools and equipment for qualified candidates
• Provide an important link with the Apprenticeship Branch of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.