Four Pathways to a Skilled Trades Apprenticeship

If you’re looking for a highly rewarding hands-on career, then the skilled trades could be for you! Qualified skilled tradespeople are currently in high demand within Canada’s workforce. Diverse career opportunities are available in many different skilled trades sectors across Ontario and the rest of the country.  

What is an apprenticeship? 

An apprenticeship is an opportunity for a tradesperson to learn and hone their skills through both on-the-job training and in-class learning. Apprentices are required to complete a set number of hours of both classroom and on-the-job training before they are qualified to write the Certificate of Qualification exam to become a licensed tradesperson. 

There are four pathways to a skilled trades apprenticeship, with each path having its own requirements and offering unique benefits. The four pathways are: 

Traditional apprenticeship 

If you already have a job and/or job experience within your chosen field, you could begin your apprenticeship directly from the workplace.  

To pursue this pathway, your employer must be registered with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Your employer must also agree to take you on as an apprentice. The ministry will create a training agreement for you and your employer to sign, after which you will be registered as an apprentice. 

Although this pathway emphasizes hands-on learning in the workplace, you will still need to complete a required number of in-class training hours. By choosing to complete your in-class training at Mohawk College, you will earn an Ontario College Certificate and a Certificate of Apprenticeship that can lead to further education opportunities. 

Postsecondary program 

Mohawk College offers a wide range of both diploma and certificate programs in the skilled trades. Completing one of our programs will give you the skills, experience and confidence necessary to begin an apprenticeship, as well as earning your accreditation from one of Ontario’s leading colleges in the skilled trades. 

Our programs take on a hybrid approach to learning, seeing students practice the skills they’ve picked up in the classroom in state-of-the-art training facilities. Students also can take advantage of co-op and job placement opportunities in select programs to further their education. 

Another benefit of completing a postsecondary program at Mohawk College is that many employers prefer to hire college graduates. Your diploma and certificate not only demonstrate that you’ve received industry-recognized training and hands-on experience but also highlight your dedication and reliability as a future apprentice. 

Pre-apprenticeship training program 

Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, pre-apprenticeship training programs are tuition-free education programs that allow for future apprentices to gain the in-demand skills and experience needed to begin their apprenticeships. 

Pre-Apprenticeship programs are 12 to 17 weeks long and are followed by a work placement. The program gives you the foundational Level One training, which will be followed by Level Two and Level Three training once you have secured an apprenticeship position.