Apprenticeship Program

Apprenticeship Program Overview  Through the Government of Nunavut’s Department of Education, people who want to learn a trade may apply to the Apprenticeship program.

What is an Apprenticeship?  A structured system of supervised training leading to recognized certification in a designed trade or occupation.  It is a systematic program that combines on-the-job learning supplemented by in-school instruction including classroom, lab and shop training.  Through the time spent ‘on-the-job training’ and series of technical courses, the apprentices will learn the knowledge, skills, tools and materials of the particular trade or occupation.

Apprentices  Work in the trade or occupation under an apprenticeship contract  Learn the knowledge, skills, tools and materials on the jobsite under the supervision of a certified tradesperson who has experience in the field.  Earn wages while learning the trade.  Attend school for weeks per apprenticeship level.

Why Should I Become an Apprentice?  You will receive up-to-date quality training that meets industry’s standard and use the latest technology and techniques.  To learn skills while working with a fully qualified tradesperson.  During apprenticeship training you earn while you learn.  You can earn you credentials without developing a huge debt.

Why Should I Become an Apprentice?  To become the type of employee employers want to hire.  Upon completion of your apprenticeship and certification you will have access to well-paying jobs.  Work anywhere in Canada (after receiving a journeyman certification with Red Seal endorsement)  With experience and good education, you could have possibility for advancement to supervisory positions or business ownership.

Choosing a Trade TO CHOOSE THE BEST TRADE FOR YOU, YOU NEED TO:  Determine your skills, interests and abilities.  Check out the resources, course outlines, booklets on various trades  Set up a meeting with:  An employer, apprentice, journeyperson, school career counselor, teacher, or Career Development Officer with the Department of Education.

Apprenticeship Program Overview BEFORE APPLYING TO THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM THE APPLICANTS :  Must pass the trade related Trade Entrance Exam (TEE).  Have an employer who is willing to employ them as an apprentice and who will provide them with the required on-the-job training.  The selected employer also must have a certified journeyperson working at the same location and in the same trade that the applicant wants to be trained.

How Do I Get Started? TO BECOME AN APPRENTICE, YOU MUST:  Be at least 18 years of age.  Find an employer that is willing and able to train you as an apprentice.  Write and pass a trade relevant Trades Entrance Exam.  To write the exam, you must submit a completed “Trade Entrance Exam Request Form” to the CDO in the community  Attend an Apprenticeship Orientation Session with your CDO.

Who Can You Work For? CAREER OPTIONS: Major employers of apprentices and tradespersons in Nunavut are:  NU businesses/corporations (mining & construction)  Inuit organizations  Housing authorities  Local governments  GN departments

Who Can You Work For? CAREER OPTIONS: With additional education, training and experience, graduating apprentices after certification can become…  Contractors  Employers  Managers  Consultants  Teachers of trades related courses

Do All Trades Have Apprenticeship Programs? There are a number of trades designated as appropriate for issuing of Certificates of Qualification in Nunavut.

Nunavut Designated Trades The Nunavut Designated Trades include:

Trade Entrance Examination WHAT IS THE TRADE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION (TEE) ALL ABOUT?  There are different levels of the exam depending on the trade  The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions, and challenges competency in Math, Science and English.  The successful pass of TEE is required by regulations to enter into an apprenticeship.

Trade Entrance Examination  The overall pass mark on the Trade Entrance Exam is 70%  Even if you successfully pass the Trade Entrance Exam, further upgrading may be recommended prior to attending technical training.

The Employer WHAT IS THE EMPLOYER’S ROLE?  The employer hires apprentices to meet the needs of their business, and shall:  provide a certified journeyperson to teach the skills of the trade.  have the facilities and resources to provide adequate on-the-job training.

The Employer WHAT IS THE EMPLOYER’S ROLE?  The employer hires apprentices to meet the needs of their business, and shall:  keep the apprentices employed for the period stated in the apprenticeship contract provided sufficient work in the designated trade is available  release the apprentices from work so that they can attend technical training every year.

What Are Apprentices Paid? Employers are required to pay apprentices the following minimum percentages of the journeyperson’s wage: 4-year trade: 3-year trade: 1st level – 50%1 st level – 55% 2 nd level – 60%2 nd level – 65% 3 rd level – 70%3 rd level – 80% 4 th level - 80% The actual rate of pay depends on the trade, the employer, and the amount of training completed by the apprentice.

Technical Training TECHNICAL TRAINING SPECIFICS  May take place in Nunavut, Alberta or other locations depending on the trade  All requests to attend technical training are handled by Career Development Officers.  Technical training dates are released in late April or early May of each year, and sent directly to apprentices and employers.

Technical Training TECHNICAL TRAINING SPECIFICS  Apprentices (in consultation with their employer) must submit a technical training request as early as possible each year to secure the best training seats and dates.  Apprentices may be eligible for financial assistance to attend these courses either through the GN or federal programs.

How Does An Apprentice Become a Certified Journeyperson? IN ORDER TO BECOME A CERTIFIED JOURNEYPERSON, APPRENTICES SHALL:  complete the required number of on-the-job hours for the trade.  successfully complete the required technical trainings and pass examinations.  receive a satisfactory reports from their supervisors at work.  regularly provide their updated record books to the Apprenticeship Office for the annual status updates and final certifications.

Benefits of Being a Certified Journeyperson A JOURNEYPERSON IS:  A formally certified skilled worker whose combined work experience and training satisfies all the requirements of the industry.  Paid journeyperson’s wages.  Qualified to supervise and teach other apprentices.

How Do I Get Started? YOU SHALL:  Attend an orientation session.  Meet with a Career Development Officer (CDO)  Ensure you have completed the requirements needed to be registered as an apprentice.

How Do I Get Started? BRING THE FOLLOWING TO YOUR MEETING WITH THE CDO:  Picture ID  Program information, trade certificates and diplomas, transcripts of any technical training previously completed.  Apprenticeship documentation if relocating from another province/territory.

Getting Registered WHEN THE APPRENTICE IS READY TO BE REGISTERED…  The apprentice, the employer, and the CDO will meet to sign the apprenticeship application and the Apprenticeship Agreement.  The Department of Education – Apprenticeship Unit reviews the application and creates the Contract of Apprenticeship which establishes the terms of the apprenticeship, including the details for the technical training.  The Contract of Apprenticeship is returned for signatures by the employer, apprentice …

Getting Registered WHEN THE APPRENTICE IS READY TO BE REGISTERED…  The signed Contract of Apprenticeship is returned to the Apprenticeship Unit and is then registered  The apprenticeship then begins…  A Nunavut Apprenticeship Record Book will be issued to the apprentice to ensure that hours and technical training results are recorded all through the apprenticeship training years.

Academic Planning  If you are currently in high school you need to ensure that you are making the right course selections; as all the trades require a good foundation in Math and Science  It is your best interest to graduate with a grade 12 diploma with high level Math and Science courses.  You can also apply to enter ‘Pre-Apprenticeship’ courses at Nunavut Arctic College or other college programs, but these programs also require a solid academic foundation.

Academic pathways TO BEGIN YOUR APPRENTICESHIP YOU HAVE A FEW OPTIONS: 1. Become a NEAT ( Nunavut Early Apprenticeship ) student while you are at high school 2. Graduate from Grade 12 with the appropriate courses completed, pass the appropriate level of Trade Entrance Exam and begin your apprenticeship immediately. 3. Enter a Pre-Apprenticeship program at NAC or other colleges

Information link Nunavut is affiliated with several jurisdictions for trades training, most notably Alberta.  Information that is relevant and current is available at :  

Trades Access Program OVERVIEW  An academic trades preparation program offered over 32 weeks.  Provides the necessary fundamental skills in trades related Math, Science, English and Communications.  Explores the different careers that are available in the trades.

Trades Access Program OVERVIEW CONTINUED…  Participants will take courses in Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and develop an individual work plan.  Integrates Guiding Principles of Inuit Qaujimaningit and recognizes the value of collaborative learning styles unique to Nunavut.

Trades Access Program ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:  High school diploma or a GED equivalency  Submit three (3) letters of reference  Submit a letter of interest OR, AS A MATURE STUDENT:  Must be a minimum of 18 years old and have been out of school for at least one school year.  May also apply for PLAR for admission.

Trades Access Program ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS, CONTINUED… Additionally:  A placement test in Math and English will be required for all students entering this program.  Full participation requires individuals to be physically capable of performing the work.

Pre-Trades Preparation WHAT IS IT?  An academic trades preparation program is offered over an 18 week period.  Provides necessary training required to build skills in Math, Science and English to successfully challenge the Department of Education’s Trades Entrance Exams, Levels 1 through 5.  Provides the academic base to enter into an Apprenticeship.

Pre-Trades Preparation ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS  Have grade 10 or a documented ABE equivalency  Submit 3 letters of reference  Submit a letter of interest OR AS A MATURE STUDENT  Must be a minimum of 18 years old and have been out of school for at least one school year.  May also apply for PLAR for admission

Pre-Trades Preparation ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS, CONTINUED… Additionally:  A placement test in Math and English will be required for all students entering this program  Full participation requires individuals to be physically capable of performing the work

How to Apply?  Complete a Nunavut Arctic College application form. (Available online at  Submit completed application including all extra documentation listed in “admission requirements” to regional campus by April 15.  Apply early.  If you are applying before you have completed grade 12, you can request that your final transcript be sent to Arctic College when it becomes available.

Questions??? For further information: Please set up an appointment with your local Career Development Officer or Contact the Supervisor of Apprenticeship - Department of Education Tel: (867)