If you are looking for a rewarding career that pays well and offers plenty of opportunities, you might want to consider becoming an apprentice in a skilled trade. Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. As an apprentice, you will work under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson and learn the skills and knowledge of your chosen trade. You will also earn a wage while you learn, and may be eligible for grants and incentives from the government.
There are over 150 designated trades in Ontario, ranging from construction and industrial to motive power and service. Some of the most in-demand trades include electrician, plumber, carpenter, welder, automotive service technician, hairstylist, and cook. Depending on the trade, it can take between two to five years to complete an apprenticeship program and become a certified journeyperson.
To start an apprenticeship, you need to meet the following requirements:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have legal permission to work in Canada
- Meet the educational requirements for your trade
- Find an employer or sponsor who is willing to hire and train you
Finding an employer or sponsor can be challenging, especially if you have no prior experience or connections in the trade. However, there are several resources and programs that can help you find apprenticeship opportunities in Ontario. Here are six of them that you should know about:
1. Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
If you are still in high school, you can start your apprenticeship journey through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP). This program allows you to earn credits towards your high school diploma while gaining hands-on experience in a skilled trade. You can participate in OYAP through a cooperative education placement, a Specialist High Skills Major program, or a dual credit program.
To be eligible for OYAP, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Have completed 16 credits towards your high school diploma
- Be enrolled as a full-time student in an Ontario secondary school
To apply for OYAP, you need to:
- Talk to your guidance counsellor or co-op teacher about your interest in OYAP
- Choose a trade that matches your skills and interests
- Find an employer or sponsor who is willing to take you on as an apprentice
- Register as an apprentice with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
2. Pre-apprenticeship Training Program
If you have graduated from high school or left school before graduating, you can prepare for an apprenticeship through the Pre-apprenticeship Training Program. This program provides free training in eligible trades and helps you develop the skills and knowledge needed to find an employer or sponsor. The program also includes a work placement where you can gain practical experience in your trade.
To be eligible for the Pre-apprenticeship Training Program, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Be eligible to work in Canada
- Have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or pass a qualifying test
To apply for the Pre-apprenticeship Training Program, you need to:
- Contact a training provider that offers the program in your area
- Complete an application form and submit it to the training provider
- Attend an interview and assessment with the training provider
3. Apprenticeship Signing Bonus
If you have found an employer or sponsor who is willing to hire and train you as an apprentice, you may be eligible for a $2,000 Apprenticeship Signing Bonus. This bonus is paid in two instalments of $1,000 each: one after you register as an apprentice with the ministry, and another after you complete your first level of classroom training.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship Signing Bonus, you must:
- Be registered as an apprentice in one of the eligible trades
- Have signed a registered training agreement with your employer or sponsor
- Have not previously been registered as an apprentice in Canada
To apply for the Apprenticeship Signing Bonus, you need to:
- Complete an application form and submit it to your local apprenticeship office within 90 days of registering as an apprentice
- Provide proof of registration as an apprentice and completion of your first level of classroom training
4. Apprenticeship Completion Employer Bonus
If you are an employer or sponsor who has hired and trained an apprentice until they complete their apprenticeship program and become a certified journeyperson, you may be eligible for a $1,000 Apprenticeship Completion Employer Bonus. This bonus is paid after your apprentice successfully passes their Certificate of Qualification exam.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship Completion Employer Bonus, you must:
- Be registered as an employer or sponsor with the ministry
- Have signed a registered training agreement with your apprentice
- Have provided the required hours of on-the-job training and released your apprentice for classroom training
- Have paid your apprentice the prevailing wage rate for their trade
To apply for the Apprenticeship Completion Employer Bonus, you need to:
- Complete an application form and submit it to your local apprenticeship office within 90 days of your apprentice passing their Certificate of Qualification exam
- Provide proof of your apprentice’s completion of their apprenticeship program and certification
5. Apprenticeship Incentive Grant
If you are an apprentice in a Red Seal trade, you may be eligible for a federal Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. This grant provides $1,000 per year or level, up to a maximum of $2,000, to help you cover the costs of tuition, travel, tools, and other expenses related to your apprenticeship.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, you must:
- Be registered as an apprentice in a Red Seal trade
- Have completed your first or second year or level of classroom training
- Maintain satisfactory progress in your apprenticeship program
To apply for the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant, you need to:
- Complete an application form and submit it to Service Canada within 12 months of completing your first or second year or level of classroom training
- Provide proof of registration as an apprentice and completion of your first or second year or level of classroom training
6. Apprenticeship Completion Grant
If you are an apprentice in a Red Seal trade
and have completed your apprenticeship program and become a certified journeyperson, you may be eligible for a federal Apprenticeship Completion Grant. This grant provides $2,000 to help you celebrate your achievement and transition into the workforce.
To be eligible for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, you must:
- Be registered as an apprentice in a Red Seal trade
- Have successfully completed your apprenticeship program and obtained your Certificate of Qualification or Red Seal endorsement
- Not have received the Apprenticeship Completion Grant before
To apply for the Apprenticeship Completion Grant, you need to:
- Complete an application form and submit it to Service Canada within 12 months of completing your apprenticeship program and obtaining your certification
- Provide proof of registration as an apprentice and completion of your apprenticeship program and certification
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits and incentives for becoming an apprentice in a skilled trade in Ontario. You can get paid to learn a trade that is in high demand, earn a nationally recognized certification, and access various grants and bonuses from the government. If you are interested in pursuing an apprenticeship, you should start by exploring the different trades available, finding an employer or sponsor who can train you, and registering as an apprentice with the ministry. You can also take advantage of the programs and resources mentioned above to help you find and complete your apprenticeship.
To learn more about apprenticeship in Ontario, you can visit the following websites:
- [Ontario College of Trades]
- [Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development]
- [Red Seal Program]
- [Service Canada]
You can also contact your local apprenticeship office or training provider for more information and guidance.
We hope this article has helped you understand how to get paid to learn a trade in Ontario. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
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