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Apprenticeships and the Skilled Trades

Becoming an apprentice or learning a skilled trade has many benefits. This pathway allows you to choose a hands-on career, receive training on the job as well as in the classroom, and often get paid while you learn. This is a great pathway if you: 

  • Enjoy fixing, building, installing, or creating things 
  • Like solving real-life problems and seeing results right away 
  • Learn well with hands-on training, job shadowing, and co-op placements 
  • Are ready to begin your career
An electrician uses a tool to adjust wiring in a wall

Want to learn more about skilled trades?

Skilled Trades Ontario is responsible for apprenticeship and skilled trades certification in Ontario. It is your go-to resource to learn about the 144 skilled trades in Ontario, including information about becoming an apprentice, training pathways, and working in the trades.

Visit the Skilled Trades Ontario Website

Key Terminology Used in the Trades Pathway

There are a lot of specialized terms used when discussing apprenticeships and skilled trades. Here is a brief description of some terms you will see used here. To learn more about any of these terms, follow the embedded links or visit Skilled Trades Ontario.

Skilled Trade

A Skilled Trade is an occupation that requires specialized knowledge and hands-on abilities, typically acquired through a combination of on-the-job training and technical education. There are over 140 Skilled Trades in Ontario, in 4 categories: 

  • Motive Power: with trades such as Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer or Small Engine Technician 
  • Service: with trades such as Hairstylist, Baker, or Cook 
  • Construction: with trades such as Drywall, Electrician, or Plumber
  • Industrial: with trades such as Cabinet Maker, General Machinist, or Welder

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a pathway to a career in the Skilled Trades. As an apprentice, you take classes and learn your trade by working under the direction of experienced mentors – and get paid while you do it. Apprenticeships typically last two to five years, depending on the area of training. Most of this time (80%) is spent on the job, learning directly from skilled professionals, with the remaining time (20%) spent in the classroom, getting theoretical learning to supplement the on-the-job training. Compulsory trades require an apprenticeship to become certified to work in that skilled trade, whereas for non-compulsory trades an apprenticeship is not required.

Compulsory Trades

Compulsory trades such as a plumber, electrician, steamfitter, or hairstylist, require you to complete an apprenticeship and pass a certifying exam to earn your Certificate of Qualification and work legally in the trade as a journeyperson. There are approximately 23 compulsory trades in Ontario.

Non-compulsory Trades

Non-compulsory trades, such as cook, industrial electrician, or developmental services worker, are trades for which you do not have to complete an apprenticeship or pass a certification exam. Some non-compulsory trades do have exams or optional certifications, but not all. While certification isn’t mandatory, completing an apprenticeship or earning a Certificate of Qualification in a non-compulsory trade can enhance job prospects. There are more than 120 non-compulsory trades in Ontario.

Journeyperson

A journeyperson (or journeyman) is a skilled trades worker who has completed their training, passed the certification exams, and earned their Certificate of Qualification, giving them the right to work independently in Ontario.

Employer, Sponsor and Mentor

The employer or sponsor is the company or individual who hires an apprentice, ensures that they are receiving on-the-job skills training and mentorship, and handles the administrative aspects such as reporting hours. Mentors work directly with apprentices, providing training, guidance, and support. Depending on the trade and employment setting, your sponsor and mentor may be the same person, you may work in a one-to-one setting or with multiple apprentices, or you may have a more than one mentor.

Unions and Trade Associations

In some trades, apprentices and journeypersons may be part of a union or trade association. These organizations represent employees to negotiate for better wages, benefits, and working conditions, such as fair hours and workplace safety standards, as well as providing support and services to their members. Some unions and trade associations also hire and coordinate apprenticeships directly, rather than through the employer.

Entering an Apprenticeship or Skilled Trade

There are several different entry points into apprenticeships or the skilled trades. While an apprenticeship is the most direct route, there are many considerations that can impact an individual's choice or pathway, such as: 

  • Availability of apprenticeships and securing a sponsor 
  • Prior job experience and skills needed to get hired 
  • Readiness to choose a specific trade or career
Two people converse over an empty table

Pathways to the Trades

Apprenticeships

Traditional apprenticeships are often the most direct route to a career in the skilled trades, and are available in both compulsory and non-compulsory trades. Apprentices earn money while completing their formal on-the-job training for a career in the trades, with apprenticeships typically lasting two to five years, depending on the area of training. Most of this time (80%) is spent on the job, learning directly from skilled professionals, with the remaining time (20%) spent in the classroom, getting theoretical learning to supplement the on-the-job training. 

Entering an apprenticeship directly from high school is a great option if you know what you want to do and are able to secure a sponsor in your chosen trade. 

Want to learn more about apprenticeships? 

Check out How Apprenticeships Work and Benefits of an Apprenticeship.

 

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a school-to-work program that allows students to explore and work in a trade through the co-operative education program in their high school. Typically starting in grade eleven or twelve, students have the opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade while completing their secondary school diplomas. Some OYAP students can complete Level 1 (basic) apprenticeship in-school training at a partner college while still in high school through a dual credit program. 

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program - Focused Apprenticeship Skills Training (OYAP-FAST) is an accelerated stream of OYAP that allows students in Grades 11 and 12 to get more skilled trades experience through extra co-op credits while working towards their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Want to learn more about OYAP? Check out What's OYAP and OYAP Student Booklet or reach out to your School Board's OYAP Coordinator.

College or Trades School Pathway

There are many college and trade school programs in Ontario that can help you get started in the skilled trades. These programs usually take 1 to 3 years to finish, and students can earn a certificate or diploma. Many programs include co-op placements or other hands-on training opportunities along with classroom learning. Depending on the trade, you might be able to get a job right after you graduate, or you may choose to start an apprenticeship. 

Going to college can be a good choice if you want to build more skills or confidence before beginning an apprenticeship, or if you are having trouble finding a sponsor. Trade school is also a common way to get started in the service trades.

It is a good idea to talk to your college program coordinator to learn if your program counts towards in-class or on-the-job training for a future apprenticeship. They can also tell you about career fairs or networking events that may help you find a job or sponsor for an apprenticeship.

Want to learn more about college trade programs? Check out College Pathways to Apprenticeship and Why College?

Additional Pathway Options

There are other ways to gain skills, training, and experience before starting an apprenticeship:

Specialist High Skills Major: This is a program in secondary school that allows students to learn on the job and earn industry certifications. The availability of these programs depends on your school board and local school, so reach out to your Guidance Counsellor for more information. 

Dual Credit Programs: In dual credit programs, students can participate in apprenticeship training and post-secondary education, while also earning high school credits. The availability of these programs depends on your school board and local school, so reach out to your Guidance Counsellor for more information. 

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: Offered through colleges and community agencies, these programs are trade-specific and are for individuals who have already left high school. They provide eligible individuals with training and academic upgrading to build their skills before entering an apprenticeship. 

Union Approved Training: Some trades unions manage and train apprentices, rather than the employer. This tends to be trade and region specific. If you are interested in exploring this option, search for trade unions in your area and chosen field to see if this is something that they offer. 

Employment: In many trades, there are employment opportunities in unskilled or general labour positions, which can help build connections and experiences to leverage into an apprenticeship. Reach out to companies in your area and chosen to field to see if they are hiring or have opportunities for employees to transition into an apprenticeship.

Choosing the Trades

Working in the trades can be a great choice for many students, including those with disabilities. When considering this option, it is a good idea to think about your strengths and interests, and any challenges you are likely to face. You can also research and talk to others about what training and skills are required in a skilled trade.

Self-reflection

1. Understanding Your Strengths & the Job Fit

  • What are your interests and strengths? What courses/subjects do you enjoy and have performed well in?
  • What do you enjoy doing? What have others told you that you are good at? 
  • What are the physical, sensory, and environmental demands of the trade, workplace, and/or training program that you are considering? 
  • How much math, reading, and/or writing is needed in the trade you are considering? 
  • How long are the typical work shifts? Are workdays predictable? 
  • How many mentors or trainers will I work with? How big is the team?

 

2. Take a quiz to help link your skills and interests to specific trades. 

Do some research

1. Talk to people in the trades, research in-demand trades, and/or read or listen to testimonials from those in trades. 

2. Talk to your Guidance Counsellor, Co-op Education Teacher, or OYAP Recruiter at your school about pathways to learn trades of interest.

3. Visit relevant websites and attend career fairs, such as those offered through Level Up Ontario. 

4. Check out these informational videos and resources: 

Try it out
  1. Take a technological education course that's offered in your school or board. 
  2. Do a co-op placement, dual credit or Specialist High Skills Major program. 
  3. Explore employment or volunteer opportunities available in your chosen trade area.

Next Steps

As you move forward, you'll learn about accessibility and supports in the trades that can help you build a path that works for your strengths and needs.

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