Apprenticeship Training Programs

There are more than 130 skilled occupations that can be practiced through Ontario's apprenticeship training system.  Chefs, educational assistants, plumbers, auto mechanics and welders are all trades that can be defined as "skilled trades," and represent occupations that are integral to the functioning of Ontario's economy.

Becoming an apprentice is the best way to begin on a promising career path. Skilled workers are in high demand by a variety of industries such as construction, electrical engineering, or becoming a chef.

Apprentices learn a skilled occupation by combining in-school training courses with paid on-the-job training.  About 90 per cent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by an employer, while the remainder involves in-school instruction at a training institution like Confederation College.

Three Ways to Become an Apprentice:

  1. Find an employer who is willing to offer training.
  2. Enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) through a secondary school; or
  3. Contact the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Branch through their Thunder Bay, Ontario office at (807) 346-1550.

People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to employers, unions or joint apprenticeship training committees for the trade they are interested in.

Other Helpful Sites:

Apprenticeship Programs offered at Confederation College:

Apprenticeship FAQ's

  • Experienced, trade-certified professors
  • Up-to-date lab and shop facilities (Take a virtual tour to see all the college has to offer.)

Most apprenticeships last two to five years, with most time spent in the field applying your trade of choice.

In general, it is best to have a minimum of Grade 12 for most skilled occupations. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old. However be advised these minimum requirements may not meet the criteria for some employers/unions.

If you are unsure which apprenticeship or trade you wish to concentrate on, you can enter post-secondary school here at Confederation College and take many of our excellent trades programs. These programs will give you the skills needed to help you find work and start on your path to becoming an apprentice.

Are you still in high school and thinking about going straight into an apprenticeship? You can enrol in a pre-apprenticeship program like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) through your secondary school; or contact the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Branch.

Want to take a break from the classroom once you graduate high school? You can find an employer to hire and train you in a specific field. You and your employer must then sign a training agreement prepared by an Apprenticeship Branch consultant to be filed with the ministry.

Apprentices are registered by the regional office of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Workplace Training Branch. Unless you are in a pre-apprenticeship program or a co-apprenticeship program, you cannot register for an apprenticeship at Confederation College. You or your employer can call the regional office and ask one of the training consultants to visit your workplace. The consultant will make sure that you both understand what apprenticeship is all about.

Following completion of your apprenticeship training you will be eligible to write the provincial Certificate of Qualification exam. For specific information on apprenticeships, including such as training standards please refer to the ministry website at:
www.collegeoftrades.ca/membership/resources/training-standards

People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to employers, unions or joint apprenticeship training committees for the trade they are interested in.

You can refer to the Apprenticeship specific webpages provided below for more information regarding the apprenticeship you are interest in, or by contacting the School of Engineering Technology and Trades at Confederation College (807) 475-6384.

Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Financial help is available for Apprentices. Some of the ministry–funded programs that may be available to you include:

If you complete your training or are a certified journeyperson, you will be able to obtain a Red Seal endorsement on your certificates of qualification and apprenticeship by successfully completing an Interprovincial Standards Examination. The Red Seal allows qualified tradespersons to practice their trade in any province or territory in Canada where that trade is designated without having to write further examinations.

For any specific questions, you can contact the Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship Branch in Thunder Bay, Ontario (807) 346-1550.