1. Navigating the Road to Apprenticeship
Yacine Dottridge
Ontario College of Trades
Stakeholder Relations Coordinator

3. Overview Apprenticeship Basics Minimum Entry Requirements
Career Exploration: Programs and Resources
Financial Supports
Important First Steps

4. Apprenticeship Basics
Work-based training program
A formal training agreement between the apprentice, their sponsor and the government of Ontario
80% - 90% practical, on-the-job training with an employer
10% - 20% in class – classes are typically offered through one of Ontario’s public colleges

5. Apprenticeship Timeline
Apprenticeship starts when you sign a Registered Training Agreement (RTA)
An apprenticeship typically lasts between 2 and 5 years
Apprentices must become members of the College of Trades within 90 days
Register with a sponsor – Sign an RTA
Work with sponsor
(8-12 months)
In-class training
(6-8 weeks)
Return to work with sponsor
Repeat for each level of training

6. Minimum Entry Requirements
Typically, you must be
At least 16 years of age
Have completed high school
Exceptions
For some construction sector trades the minimum requirement is set at grade 8 or grade 10
It is important to note that this level of education may not be adequate
Ex. Masonry (grade 8), Electrician (grade 10)
Many trades will ask for supplementary courses
Ex. Grade 12 Math, grade 12 Physics, grade 12 English
Academic upgrading
Focus on completion, not entry
The focus should be on success, not just entry

7. Career Exploration About the skilled trades in Ontario
156 skilled trades across 4 sectors
The foundation of Ontario’s economy
Projected skills mismatch of up to 360,000 by 2025

8. Programs: Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Complete up to 8 high school credits while also gaining apprenticeship experience
You must:
Be at least 16 years of age
Have completed 16 high school credits
Be registered as a full-time student in Ontario’s public education system (No age limit)
Register through the school’s Co-op department

9. Programs: Pre-Apprenticeship
An opportunity to gain experience in the skilled trades before you make a longer-term commitment
Programs can range from 3 months to a year
Some programs will let you sample multiple trades; others will focus exclusively on one
Some programs are directed at underrepresented groups
Or Contact an Employment Ontario provider or Union Training Centres for more information on available programs
Many programs are offered at no cost to the participant

10. Programs: Co-Op Diploma Apprenticeship (CODA)
Complete your in-class apprenticeship training while also gaining a college diploma
After the program, finish your apprenticeship training on-the-job with a sponsor
Register directly with a College that offers your desired training program

11. Programs: Trade Equivalency Assessment (TEA)
For people with significant experience in a skilled trade
Allows you to skip the apprenticeship portion of the certification process and go straight to the exam
Requires letters from past employers as proof of experience
Your experience is compared to the competencies and hours as listed in the Apprenticeship Training Standard
The cost is $200+HST

12. Resources Earnwhileyoulearn.ca: Collegeoftrades.ca
a micro-site geared towards introducing people to apprenticeship and careers in the skilled trades
Trade fact sheets
Collegeoftrades.ca
Information on Trade Equivalency Assessment
Links to Apprenticeship Training Standards
Exam guide
Hirewithconfidence.ca
Job bank specifically for the skilled trades
Print resources:
Brochures: Apprenticeship Advantage & 156 Skilled Trades
Trades Today: Quarterly members’ magazine

13. Financial Supports for Apprentices
Apprentice Incentive Grant: $1,000 for completion of each level of training (up to $2,000)
Apprentice Completion Grant: $2,000 for completion of a Red Seal trade
Apprentice Completion Bonus: $2,000 for completion of a non-Red Seal trade
Loans for Tools: $300 - $800 interest-free loan for tools and equipment
Canada Apprentice Loan: up to $4,000 interest-free loan to cover expenses during in-class training
The Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities also covers 80%-90% of in-class training costs for registered apprentices

14. Important first steps Research
Entry requirements vs. Industry expectations
Trade fact sheets
CAP Charts
Curriculum and Training Standards
Labour Market Information
Work Life
Wages
Work/Life cycles
Additional licenses and certifications
Job Shadowing/Interviews

15. Questions? Visit our website Or contact us Earnwhileyoulearn.ca
Collegeoftrades.ca
Or contact us
Main Number:
Toll-free: