The Cost of Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is one of the lowest cost routes to a productive career.  Other forms of post-secondary training can be expensive and may leave graduates with debt and uncertain job prospects.  Apprenticeship is different.  Employers or sponsors enter formal agreements with apprentices so that apprentices earn an income while learning their trade.

Programs are designed so that apprentices work for an extended period, learn on the job, and then attend a session in school.  The in-school technical training portion of apprenticeship is often a six to eight week session at a technical institute, community college, training centre, or other accredited training delivery agent.  Some programs offer the in-school technical training sessions in other formats, such as weekend or evening classes, or distance learning. 

When you enter an apprenticeship, your costs are minimal:

• Tuition costs for each in-school technical training session depend on the trade and province/territory, but are typically  $200-$800 per session.   These costs may vary among jurisdictions and trades/years. Your employer or sponsor may cover some or all of these costs.
• Your wages may increase each year, rising to full journeyperson rates upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program.
• You may qualify for EI benefits during your in-school technical training session.  A two-week waiting period is required at the start of your first session.
• However, books and some equipment may be needed, usually at your expense.
• If you have to travel to the school or training location, you may face transportation and accommodation costs.

Your earnings can cover these costs, and you may be eligible for loans, grants, or scholarships (availability varies by trade and province/territory). 

People who have skills and training in new technologies can find challenging and satisfying careers. This is a good time to be training as an apprentice. 

To find out more about assistance with job opportunities go to the “Starting a Career” page (see sidebar to the left).

Here are some examples of web sites with information on the cost of apprenticeship training. (Remember: Costs vary by province/territory and perhaps also by trade/year.)

http://www.tradesecrets.org/pdf/tuition_fees.pdf (Alberta)

http://www.aved.gov.bc.ca/industrytraining/faq-appr.htm (British Columbia)

http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/aet/apprent/jobseekers_apprent/apprentices.htm (Manitoba)

http://siksik.learnnet.nt.ca/apprenticeship/04AppOppertunities.html (Northwest Territories)

http://apprenticeship.ednet.ns.ca/faq.shtml (Nova Scotia)

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Regs/English/020031_e.htm (Ontario, Specified Construction Trades)

http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/Regs/English/020032_e.htm (Ontario, All trades except specified construction trades listed in the TQAA)

http://www.gov.pe.ca/educ/index.php3?number=75274&lang=E (Prince Edward Island)

http://www.sasknetwork.ca/html/Learners/apprenticeship/howitworks.htm (Saskatchewan)