Start an Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship training is an agreement between a person wishing to learn a skill and an employer who can provide the environment for skills training. It is administered in Ontario by the Apprenticeship Client Services Branch of the Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.

What's involved?
To become certified, you'll need a combination of on-the-job experience and in-school training by an approved trainer. After completing their in-school training, apprentices receive a Mohawk College Certificate. When apprentices pass the Advanced Education and Skills Development exam, they receive a Certificate of Qualification.

How to start an apprenticeship
To become certified in a career requiring an apprenticeship, you need a combination of approved on-the-job experience and in-school training.

To apply for apprenticeship training at Mohawk, you must first be registered as an apprentice. Don’t have an apprenticeship lined up? We may be able to help you find one.

4 Ways to Enter a Skilled Trade in Ontario

1. Find an employer who is willing to train you in your preferred trade

Once you find an employer willing to offer you an apprenticeship, you will need to do the following:

  • Register with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO)
  • Once registered, Skilled Trades Ontario will issue a registered training agreement to the employer for both the employer and apprentice to sign.
  • Once the signed registered training agreement has been received by STO, the apprenticeship begins and the apprentice is trained on the job.
  • Offers of in-class training are sent to apprentices by email and each apprenticeship requires 3 - 4 levels of in-class training to support the on the job learning.
  • When all levels of in-class training are successfully completed and the required number of working hours have been achieved, the apprentice can take the certificate of qualification exam and obtain their license.
  • Go to the Skilled Trades Ontario website to download the Training Standard 

    www.skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/trades-information/

2. Enter a Pre-Apprenticeship Training program

Pre-apprenticeship programs are government funded programs for people who want to get started in the trades. The trade programs being offered can differ from year to year and the application process typically beings in February. 

3. Complete a college diploma that relates to your preferred trade

Employers look favourably upon someone who has related skills, and who has shown the discipline and commitment to complete a college program. Mohawk College has several programs which could help, and also provide portions of the in-class apprenticeship curriculum for specific trades.

4. Register in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Students entering Grade 11 may register to become apprentices while finishing high school. Interested students should contact their secondary school counsellor, school technical director or local apprenticeship office for more information.  https://www.oyappajo.com/
 

Where can I learn more?

To get more information about this and other apprenticeship opportunities, Visit Skilled Trades and Apprenticeships.