13 Apprenticeship Programs in Canada: Provincial Highlights

Many Provincial Apprenticeship Programs in Canada offers unique opportunities for Canadians and International Workers or students who wish to become apprentices.

This blog post will discuss the Territorial and Provincial Apprenticeship Programs in Canada. Each province has its program with different requirements and certifications.

For more information on each program, please visit the corresponding website. We hope this blog post provides all the necessary information to begin your apprenticeship journey and become a certified tradesperson in Canada.

Overview of the Canadian Apprenticeship Program

In Canada, the apprenticeship program is overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Apprenticeship in Canada is open to male and female Canadians and International Workers or eligible students.

Many Provincial Apprenticeship Programs in Canada offers unique opportunities for Canadians and International Workers or students who wish to become apprentices.

Each province has its program with different requirements and certifications. For example, to become an apprentice electrician in Alberta, you must first complete a training program from an accredited post-secondary institution or technical school.

Who is an apprentice?

An apprentice is registered in an apprenticeship program and working towards becoming a certified tradesperson.

There are many benefits to becoming an apprentice in Canada, including:

Access to apprenticeship scholarships and grants.
Paid on-the-job training.
Potential for wage increases as you progress through your apprenticeship.

The best way to determine if an apprenticeship is right for you is to speak with an Employment and Social Development Canada officer or your provincial or territorial program reps.

How the Canada Apprenticeship Program Works

In Canada, apprenticeship prepares people for a career as skilled tradespersons. The apprenticeship program is a combination of on-the-job training and in-class learning.

An apprentice works with a certified tradesperson to learn the trade and completes technical training from an accredited post-secondary institution or technical school. Apprentices also write exams to earn their journeyperson certification.

The following are highlights of the Provincial and Territorial Apprenticeship Programs in Canada:

British Columbia Apprenticeship Program

In British Columbia, the Apprenticeship Program is offered by the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The ITA works with employers, employees, industry associations, labor groups, training providers, and the government to promote, develop and coordinate apprenticeship training and certification in the province.

To become an apprentice in British Columbia, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a Grade 12 education (or equivalent). It would be best also to find a job with a BC employer in your trade of choice. Once you have found an employer, you can register as an apprentice.

For more information on BC apprenticeship, visit our previous topic about the British Columbia Apprenticeship Program.

Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Program

In Alberta, the apprenticeship program is offered by the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). The AIT oversees the province’s apprenticeships and works with employers, employees, industry associations, training providers, and the government to promote, develop and coordinate apprenticeship training.

To become an apprentice in Alberta, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a Grade 12 education (or equivalent). It would be best if you also found a job with an Alberta employer in your trade of choice. Once you have found an employer, you can register as an apprentice.

To learn more about the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, visit Work Study Visa article on Alberta apprenticeship.

Saskatchewan Apprenticeship Program

In Saskatchewan, the apprenticeship program is overseen by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC). The SATCC works with employers, employees, industry associations, training providers, and the government to promote, develop and coordinate apprenticeship training.

To become an apprentice in Saskatchewan, you must be at least 16 years of age and have a Grade 12 education (or equivalent). It would be best if you also found a job with an employer in your trade of choice. Once you have found an employer, you can register as an apprentice with the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.

To learn more about Saskatchewan apprenticeship, visit the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification article.

Manitoba Apprenticeship Program

In Manitoba, the apprenticeship program is overseen by the Manitoba Apprenticeship Branch. The branch works with employers, employees, industry associations, training providers, and the government to promote, develop and coordinate apprenticeship training.

To become an apprentice in Manitoba, you must:

be at least 16 years old;
have a reliable source of income;
be able to complete the required training; and
find a journeyperson or employer willing to sponsor your apprenticeship.

You will also need to pass an entrance exam and meet the health and safety requirements.

There are several scholarships and grants available to apprentices in Manitoba, including:

The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is offered to registered apprentices who have completed at least one period of technical training in an approved program;
The Apprenticeship Completion Grant (ACG) is available to registered apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship program and received their journeyperson certification;
The Tradesperson’s Tool Allowance Grant (TTA) provides a one-time payment of $500 to eligible tradespersons in recognized Red Seal trades upon completing an apprenticeship program.

For more information, visit our topic on the Manitoba Apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador

The apprenticeship program in Newfoundland and Labrador is overseen by the Department of Advanced Education and Skills. To become an apprentice in NL, you must be a minimum of 16 years of age, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be employed in a training agreement with a sponsoring employer. You will also need to register with the Apprenticeship and Certification Board and pass an entrance exam.

There are some scholarships and bursaries available to apprentices in Newfoundland & Labrador, including:

The Apprenticeship Scholarship is awarded to registered apprentices who have completed at least one period of technical training in an approved program;
The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant is available to registered apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship program and received their journeyperson certification; and
The Apprentice Completion Award is given to registered apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship program.

For more information, visit our topic on Apprenticeship Programs in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Apprenticeship Programs in Nova Scotia

The apprenticeship program in Nova Scotia is overseen by the Department of Labour and Advanced Education. Nova Scotia has three apprenticeship programs: trade, industrial and technical.

To become an apprentice in a trades program, you must be at least 16 years old and have a Grade 12 education or equivalent. If you’re already working in the trade, you may also be eligible to challenge the certification exam.

Industrial apprenticeship programs are available for machinists, millwrights, industrial mechanics (millwrights), welders, and heavy-duty equipment technicians. To become an apprentice in an industrial program, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Technical apprenticeship programs are available for occupations such as automotive service technician, truck and transport mechanic, and refrigeration and air conditioning mechanic. To become an apprentice in a technical program, you must be at least 18 years old and have a Grade 12 education with English, math, science, and technology courses.

Learn more: Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Program.

Apprenticeship Programs in New Brunswick

The apprenticeship program in New Brunswick is administered by the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training, and Labour. There are four apprenticeship programs in New Brunswick: trade, industrial, technical, and office administration.

Industrial apprenticeship programs are available for machinists, millwrights, industrial mechanics (millwright), welders, and heavy-duty equipment technicians. To become an apprentice in an industrial program, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Office administration apprenticeship programs are available for occupations such as office administrator, medical office assistant, and executive administrative assistant. To become an apprentice in an office administration program, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent in English, math, and computer science courses.

Learn more: NB Apprenticeship Program.

Apprenticeship Programs in Ontario

The apprenticeship program in Ontario is administered by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities. There are more than 150 apprenticeship programs available in Ontario.

To become an apprentice in trade in Toronto (and all of Ontario), you must be at least 16 years old and have a Grade 12 education or equivalent. If you’re already working in the trade, you may also be eligible to challenge the certification exam.

To become an apprentice in an industrial, technical, or office administration program, you must be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Learn more: Ontario Apprenticeship Program.

Apprenticeship Programs in Prince Edward Island

The Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division oversees the apprenticeship program in Prince Edward Island.

To become an apprentice in particular trade in Prince Edward Island, you must:

Find a qualified journeyperson willing to take you on as an apprentice, or
Contact the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division to see if there are any employer-sponsored apprenticeship openings.

The Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division also offers scholarships and grants for apprentices, which can be found on their website.

Learn more: Prince Edward Island Apprenticeship Program.

Apprenticeship Programs in Quebec

The Quebec government agency in charge of apprenticeships is the Commission de la construction du Québec (CCQ).

There are many different pathways to becoming an apprentice in Quebec, depending on your qualifications and experience.

To find out more about the specific requirements for your chosen trade, you can visit the CCQ website or contact them directly.

The CCQ also offers some scholarships and grants for apprentices, which can be found on its website.

Learn more: Quebec Apprenticeship Program.

Apprenticeship in Canada’s Northern Territories

The territories have apprenticeship programs overseen by the Department of Education, Culture and Employment (ECE) in Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, and the Department of Advanced Education and Skills Development (AESD) in Alberta.

Each Territorial apprenticeship program is slightly different, so it’s essential to contact ECE or AESD directly to learn more about your chosen trade’s specific requirements.

Recommended: How to get a red seal certification after the apprenticeship.

Are there apprenticeship programs in Canada for International students?

Yes, there are apprenticeship programs in Canada for international students. Please refer to Apprenticeship Programs in Canada for International Students for more information.

Can International Workers Become Apprentices in Canada?

Yes, International Workers can become an apprentice in Canada. Please refer to Apprenticeship Programs for International Workers in Canada.

What are the requirements to become an apprentice in Canada?

The requirements to become an apprentice vary by province and territory. Please refer to the specific provincial and territorial apprenticeship program websites linked above for more information.

Who sponsors apprenticeship programs?

Through Employment and Social Development Canada, the Canadian government sponsors apprenticeship programs in Canada.

What is the difference between a journeyperson and an apprentice?

A journeyperson is a certified tradesperson who has completed their apprenticeship and has been granted their journeyperson certification. An apprentice is a person learning a trade through on-the-job training with a qualified journeyperson.

What are the benefits of becoming an apprentice?

There are many benefits to becoming an apprentice, including:

earning a salary while you learn;
gaining job experience and skills;
having the opportunity to become certified in your trade and work as a journey.

Can Apprentices get a scholarship in Canada?

Yes, Apprentices can get a scholarship in Canada, up to $8000. For more information, please refer to this topic about Canadian scholarships for apprentices.

What are some of the most popular apprenticeship programs in Canada?

There is no one “most popular” or best apprenticeship program in Canada. Instead, each province and territory has a unique set of programs, which can vary regarding the available trades and the requirements to become an apprentice.

How many years does the apprenticeship program take?

The length of an apprenticeship program varies depending on the trade. Some programs may take as little as one year to complete, while others may take up to four years.

What is the difference between a co-op program and an apprenticeship?

A co-op program is a type of education program that combines classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job training. An apprenticeship is an on-the-job training program that leads to journeyperson certification in a particular trade.

Both co-op programs and apprenticeships can benefit students interested in pursuing a trade career, as they provide hands-on experience and allow students to earn while they learn. However, apprenticeships are the only type of program that lead to journeyperson certification.

So, there you have it! A brief overview of apprenticeship programs in each province and territory in Canada. If you’re interested in becoming an apprentice, check out the links above for more information on getting started.

13 Apprenticeship Programs in Canada: Provincial Highlights

Overview of the Canadian Apprenticeship Program

Who is an apprentice?