FAQs

The following ‘Most frequently-asked questions’ about apprenticeships in Canada are divided into three main sections:

1. Three things you should know before getting started
2. Apprentice ‘frequently-asked’ questions
3. Employer ‘frequently-asked’ questions

For more information about apprenticeships and apprenticeship training in your area log onto our ‘Information Finder’ searchable database at: www.apprenticetrades.ca.

A. Three things you should know before getting started:

1. What is an apprenticeship and how is it different from Co-op education?
2. Who sets the rules for apprenticeships in Canada?
3. How can I become eligible to work as a skilled tradesperson anywhere in Canada?

1. What is an apprenticeship and how is it different from Co-op education?



Apprenticeship training is a form of post-secondary education that combines on-the-job and in-school training. At the completion of an apprenticeship, an individual can take an examination. Once he or she passes the examination and satisfies the criteria set out by his or her Province/Territory, he or she will earn a Certificate of Qualification/Journeyperson Certificate from his or her Province or Territory in Canada.

Apprenticeship training is different from Co-op education in that as an apprentice:

• You will already be employed and work with an employer who agrees to ‘sponsor’ and train you as an apprentice for a specific skilled trade. Once you and your employer agree to this, you and your employer may enter into and sign an apprenticeship agreement which is then registered with the Provincial or Territorial governmental agency that regulates apprenticeship training;
• Furthermore, your employer monitors your progress and validates what you have been learning and the amount of hours you spent perfecting your new skill;
• You receive a wage while you work – you earn while you learn.

Generally with Co-op education:

• You are a student who is not yet employed in the industry of your choice
• Your Co-op term is regulated by an educational institution (high school, college or university)
• You may or may not be paid during your Co-op term.


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Who sets the rules for apprenticeship training in Canada?


In Canada, each Province or Territory is responsible for setting the rules and regulations for apprenticeship training.
Thus, if you have specific questions about apprenticeships in your Province or Territory, you may wish to approach your Provincial/Territorial government apprenticeship office.
• Click here for Links to Provincial/Territorial Government Apprenticeship Web Sites


Once I am qualified as a tradesperson will I be able to work anywhere in Canada?


In order to allow tradespeople to work across the country, all Provinces and Territories in partnership with the federal government have created the “Red Seal (InterProvincial Standards) Program”. The ‘Red Seal’ endorsement is an additional seal or a valuable recognition that is placed on your Provincial or Territorial Certificate of Qualification/Journeyperson’s Certificate. It permits skilled tradespeople to work anywhere in Canada.
To earn a Red Seal:
• Your skilled trade must be ‘designated’ or recognized as a Red Seal trade. There are approximately 45 designated trades – see www.red-seal.ca for the complete list);
• You must pass a Red Seal InterProvincial Examination with a grade of 70% or higher;
• You must meet the criteria established within your Province or Territory.
For a list of ‘designated trades’ or for more information about The Red Seal Program:
• Read the following article: The InterProvincial Standards (Red Seal) Program

1. What types of apprenticeships are available?
2. How much does an apprentice earn?
3. Where can I find more information about how much skilled tradespeople earn?
4. Can you get into an apprenticeship right after high school?
5. How do I get started in an apprenticeship; where do I go for information?
6. I live outside of Canada. How do I become an apprentice in Canada if I live overseas?
7. I am from another country but I now live in Canada. Who can grant me credits for skills and experience that I’ve gained through previous work?

1. What types of apprenticeships are available in my area?



The skilled trades are found in virtually every sector of the economy including: Construction, Transportation, Motive Power, Manufacturing and the Service industries. Thus, the type of apprenticeships that are available in your area will largely depend upon where you live in the country, which industry (ies) is/are present there.



2. How much does an apprentice earn?



An apprentice usually earns a percentage of a fully qualified skilled tradesperson’s (or ‘journeyperson’s’) wage. The apprentice’s rate of pay may increase as he/she gains more skills and experience. In general, the terms and conditions of wages are usually set by Provincial/Territorial trade regulations and/or through collective agreements negotiated by union groups.

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3. Where can I find more information about how much skilled tradespeople earn?



In general, skilled tradespeople earn above average salary. However, wages and salaries will vary across the Provinces and Territories and from trade to trade.

For more information about salary ranges:

• Visit http://www.jobfutures.ca web site; or
• Contact the Apprenticeship branch in your area.
• Click on: Links to Provincial/Territorial Government Apprenticeship Web Sites


4. Can you get into an apprenticeship right after high school?



Possibly. Remember that in order to get started in an apprenticeship you first need to find a job and an employer who is willing to take you on as an apprentice. Furthermore, keep in mind that the Provinces and Territories may have specific minimal requirements to work as an apprentice. Check with your Provincial or Territorial government Apprenticeship office. Regardless, know that skilled tradespeople still require strong math, science and communications skills.



5. How do I get started in an apprenticeship; where do I go for information?



If you are unfamiliar with apprenticeship training and how it works we would suggest that you get some background information on apprenticeships before you begin contacting Provincial/Territorial agencies or potential sponsors/employers. Here are four suggestions:



• Read some of the following articles:
• The Cost of Apprenticeship
• The InterProvincial Standards (Red Seal) Program
• Starting a Career - - Finding Work as an Apprentice
• Download from CAF-FCA’s website “Making it work” (On-the-job Training in Apprenticeship)” so that you can understand the roles and responsibilities of you, the apprentice, your supervising journeyperson and your sponsor/employer;
• Use our ‘Information Finder’ searchable database to find out more information about specific skilled trades that may interest you; and
• Once you have a good understanding about apprenticeships, click on Links to Provincial/Territorial Government Apprenticeship Web Sites, which is located beneath the ‘Information Finder’ searchable database.

If you are familiar with skilled trades apprenticeship training and how it works:

• Click on Links to Provincial/Territorial Government Apprenticeship Web Sites.
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6. I live outside of Canada. How do I become an apprentice in Canada if I live in another country?



Like any other potential apprentice, the first thing you have to do is get a job. (See question 4 for more details). For more information on working or immigrating to Canada, visit Citizenship and Immigration Canada.



7. I am from another country but I now live in Canada. Who can grant me credits for skills and experience that I’ve gained through previous work?



The Provincial or Territorial government apprenticeship offices work closely with your current employer to evaluate your skills and experience. Together, they determine how much of your previous skills and experience should be recognized.

1. Are there any programs available to help me cover the costs of an apprenticeship program?
2. How do I set up an apprenticeship program in my company or organization?

Employer frequently-asked questions and answers

1. Are there any government programs available to help me cover the costs of an apprenticeship program?

Your Provincial/Territorial government apprenticeship office can best advise you on the programs or services that may be available:

• Click on Links to Provincial/Territorial Government Apprenticeship Web Sites.


2. How do I set up an apprenticeship program in my company or organization?

Before you set up an apprenticeship program in your company or organization, you may wish to read:

• Tips for Employers
• “Making it work (On-the-job Training in Apprenticeship)” from CAF-FCA’s website so that you can understand the roles and responsibilities of the apprentice, your supervising journeyperson and you, the sponsor/employer;

Next, you may wish to contact your Provincial/Territorial government apprenticeship office and enquire about the process involved in setting up an apprenticeship program in your company or organization.

• Click on Links to Provincial/Territorial Government Apprenticeship Web Sites.