Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Programs

Consider a Skilled Trades Apprenticeship

What is an Apprenticeship?

A paid post-secondary education to learn a skilled trade combining on-the-job and in-class training with ten months spent on the job and two months spent in class.

Why Should You Consider a Skilled Trades Apprenticeship?

  • 1 in 6 job openings is projected to be in the skilled trades by 2026
  • 85 to 90% of an apprenticeship is paid on-the-job training
  • 24,600 employers offer paid apprenticeships

Earn While You Learn

  • 85% of tuition fees are paid by the ministry
  • 10 months are paid by the employer while working
  • 2 months are paid while attending class
  • $1,000 starting yearly grants

Think You Know About Skilled Trades?

There are 144 Different Skilled Trades in 4 Categories to choose from:

  • Motive Power
    • Auto Body & Collision Repair
    • Automotive Painter
    • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
    • Motorcycle Technician
    • Turf Equipment Technician
  • Service Industry
    • Agricultural Heardsperson
    • Chef
    • Child and Youth Workers
    • Horse Groomer
    • Special Events Coordinator
  • Construction
    • Architectural Glass & Metal Technician
    • Electrician
    • Plumber
    • Roofer
    • Sprinkler/Fire Protection Installer
  • Industrial
    • Blacksmith
    • Facilities Technician
    • Locksmith
    • Railway Car Technician
    • Welder
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How to Start an Apprenticeship

Step One: Find Out if You Qualify

To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years of age
  • Have legal permission to work in Canada (for example, have a valid social insurance number)
  • Meet the educational requirements for your chosen trade
  • Have a sponsor in Ontario

Step Two: Find an Employer or Sponsor

A sponsor is someone who provides you with apprenticeship training. A sponsor can be a single employer, an individual (for example, a contractor), or a group of employers (for example, unions or non-union consortiums).

How to find a sponsor:

  • Guidance Counsellor
  • Colleges
  • Online
  • Employment Ontario (EO)
  • Unions or trade associations
  • Local Companies
  • Your network

Step Three: Apply for an Apprenticeship

If you’re 18 years old or older, you can apply online through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal (STOP). You will require:

  • Your personal information
  • Sponsor’s information
  • Sponsor contact person’s information
  • Work arrangement details

If you’re 16 to 17 years old, you must download a paper application:

  • Get your parent or guardian and your sponsor to sign it
  • Mail (or submit it in person) the completed, signed application to your local Employment Ontario apprenticeship training office
  • Employment Ontario will review your application and let your sponsor know whether or not your application was approved.

Step Four: Sign a Training Agreement

If your application is approved, the ministry will:

  • Create a training agreement for you and your sponsor to sign
  • Approve the signed agreement
  • Register your apprenticeship training
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Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Are you a student in Grade 11 or 12?

Want to get an early start on an in-demand career?

The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations. Through the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program you could earn high school credits while getting paid to learn an in-demand skilled trade.

You could learn skills such as:

  • Automotive Technician
  • Chef/Baker
  • Electrical Engineer

How to qualify:

  • Be at least 15 years of age
  • Be studying part-time or full-time in high school
  • Either enrolled in grade 11, 12, or equivalent
  • Have earned at least 14 credits

Did you know:

  • People who work in the skilled trades and technologies are virtually guaranteed long, productive, stable careers
  • Skilled workers require a high level of skill, judgment, and creativity to use the sophisticated technology of the trades
  • People working in the skilled trades make above-average salaries, with top performers in some trades earning well over $60,000 per year
  • Many tradespeople continue to develop careers in management, teaching, or as owners of their own businesses
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Learn About Careers in Trades

Training for the skilled trades gives you access to thousands of well-paying jobs and an in-demand career for life. These rewarding careers enable you to earn while you learn on the job as an apprentice, work with cutting-edge technology, and be part of the workforce needed to build the economic future of Ontario.

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