Apprenticeship Explained

Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education for both young and mature individuals who want to be certified to work in a skilled trade.

It is a method of learning in which skilled trades professionals (certified journeypersons) pass on knowledge and skills to learners (apprentices). Apprenticeship begins with an agreement between an apprentice and an employer. The apprentice agrees to work for the employer in exchange for supervised, on-the-job training and experience, and the opportunity to participate in the technical training necessary to complete the program. 

In the workplace, apprentices are supervised by a certified journeyperson who tracks both their hours and competence in the practical skills of the trade. Technical training is offered in class and/or online and is administered and arranged by the division.    

Upon completion of the apprenticeship program (including on-the-job hours, technical training and competency in workplace practical skills), apprentices are eligible to write a certification exam. If the apprentice receives a mark of 70% or greater, they receive both a Certificate of Qualification and a Certificate of Apprenticeship and become a certified journeyperson.

There is a wide range of financial supports available to those who participate in an apprenticeship program.

Please note: If the trade is a Red Seal trade, the certification exam is an Interprovincial Red Seal exam. If an apprentice receives a passing mark, they will receive the Red Seal endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification. This endorsement is a recognized standard in jurisdictions across Canada, one that employers look for as an indication of skills and competency.

For more information about apprenticeship, check out the Test Drive Video above!