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Becoming a Tradesperson

How and when you enter this pathway will depend on the trade, your age, prior qualifications, the job market, and more. It will be up to you to research your options, choose your entry point, and follow the required steps, but your Guidance Counsellor will be a great support through this process. Given the multiple entry points available, including the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program in high school and Apprenticeships, College Trade School, and/or Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs and/or employment options available, depending on your chosen trade, ensuring that you know all of your options will be invaluable. Go to Employment Ontario - Apprenticeships to learn about over 140 trades and how to apply for an apprenticeship, as well as to find resources and funding to become a tradesperson. You may also wish to check out Apprentice Search which connects employers and apprentices across Canada.

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Financial Supports

Apprenticeship is a great pathway to pursue, as you earn money while you're working. Of course, there are still other costs and financial support is available for those who might need it. You may be eligible for financial support for: tools, travel, completing your program, and more.

Provincial Programs

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development is the go to resource for financial support at the provincial level. Visit their Financial supports for apprentices and sponsors website for the most up-to-date information and eligibility on their grants and benefits listed below:

Tools Grant: up to $1,000 depending on your trade
Apprentice Development Benefit: provides financial support during full-time in class training. Applications are provided when you start your full-time, in class training.
Support for apprentices with disabilities: this funding is provided directly to college training delivery agents. Please reach out to the office that provides services to students with disabilities at your college for information on supports that may be available as part of your training.
Apprenticeship Completion Bonus: this $2,000 taxable cash grant is available to those who are out of high school and have completed their training in a non-Red Seal trade.

Federal Programs

Employment and Social Development Canada oversees federal support for apprentices. Visit their Grants and funding for skilled trades and apprenticeship website for the most up-to-date information and eligibility on their grants and benefits listed below:

The Canada Apprentice Loan: you can get up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training. You can use the money to help pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages or to help support your family.
Employment Insurance for Apprentices: Benefits while unemployed and attending technical training.
Tax Deductions and Credits: The Government of Canada offers a range of tax credits for money spent on things like such as tools, transportation, tuition and textbooks.

Planning for Daily Living

Think about the other areas that you will need to plan for as you prepare for this transition. Think about the following questions:

Have you considered housing – where will you live?
What about transportation – do you have access to public transportation or your own vehicle?
Will your jobsite and training be in the same location or will you have to temporarily relocate during your training blocks?
How will you use your earnings and pay for necessities, and build a budget for your lifestyle?
Do you know how to access health care in your community and have a plan for socialization and recreation?
Is there anything else that should be on your list as you prepare for this transition?

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Your Transition Checklist

As you prepare to start on the pathway to apprenticeship and the skilled trades, are you ready? What do you need to do to get started and prepared for your next stage?

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Prepare Early

Early preparation, planning and skill building will give you a big advantage when entering the skilled trades

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Know Your Pathway

What are the deadlines and requirements for your chosen pathway?

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Plan Accommodations

Will you disclose your disability to your employer and trainers? What accommodations and supports will you request?

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Build Required Skills

Create and follow your plan to build the skills you'll need for success

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Prepare for Independent Living

Do you have your finances, housing, transportation and other essentials planned?

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Identify Additional Planning Needs

Anything else? What are items will you add to your transition plan?

Congratulations on choosing your pathway and good luck with your next steps!

Remember - there are many people in the skilled trades and every career with disabilities, whether visible or invisible. You have the right to equal treatment in education and employment and as a strong self-advocate you can take control of your journey and put yourself on the path to success!