Starting a Career -- Finding Work as an Apprentice

1. Introduction

The First Step
The first step to becoming an apprentice is to find a job. This is like any other job search, except that you are looking for an employer to hire you as an apprentice. 
When you have found a job, some provinces and territories require you to complete a probationary period before entering into an apprenticeship agreement.

Apprenticeship usually begins with a period of work followed by in-school technical training sessions that generally are scheduled in each year of a three to five year period, depending on the trade. In some trades, apprenticeship begins with in-school technical training sessions.

Not a Co-op Program

Apprenticeship programs are different from Co-op programs.  Co-op programs are shorter-term arrangements where you register for a college or university program and are placed in a short-term job as part of the training.  Apprenticeship begins with a full-time job where the employer agrees to provide on-the-job training and release the apprentice periodically to attend in-school technical training sessions.  Apprenticeship is regulated by provincial/territorial laws and administered by a branch of the provincial/territorial Ministry or Department responsible for education, training or labour.

The Job Market is Strong

This is a good time to be looking for a career in the skilled trades.  The Conference Board of Canada estimates that there will be a shortage of one million workers in the trades and related occupations within twenty years. 

Employers in many industries and regions raise concerns about shortages of skilled workers in the trades.  The “Baby Boomer” generation is going to retire soon and needs to be replaced. 

Industries that rely on apprenticeship - including construction, transportation, manufacturing and services - have been growing and need new workers.  These jobs are highly skilled and pay well. 

Once you are a journeyperson, you may choose to practice in your trade or use your knowledge and skills to pursue other careers such as:

• an instructor
• a contractor
• an entrepreneur
• a manager
• a salesperson
• an inspector

Governments have responded to this need for skilled people and have invested more in the apprenticeship system.  This means new facilities and equipment and more classes.

As with any job search, this will take time.  Patience and persistence will be rewarded.  Don’t be discouraged, as the rewards will be worth the effort.