Apprenticeship Guidelines

Roles & Responsibilities of the Apprentice, Employer, Apprenticeship Branch

A successful apprenticeship relies on the full support and participation of the apprentice, the employer/journeyperson, the Apprenticeship Branch Training Coordinator and the Government/Apprenticeship Authorities.

Apprentice Responsibilities:

• Find appropriate employment. If an apprentice terminates employment with one employer and is hired by another, the apprentice must re-register with the new employer.
• At the commencement of the Apprenticeship, the apprentice may receive time credit for previous work experience or training in the trade (at the employer’s discretion). These hours will be recorded by the Apprenticeship Branch Training Coordinator (ATC) in the Report of Hours (blue book).
• Carefully review the information sent from the Apprenticeship including the Apprenticeship Training Package upon Apprenticeship registration acceptance, the Technical Training Notice and Employment Insurance Information sent prior to technical training and Income Tax information sent each spring.
• Take the appropriate steps required to ensure a successful progression from practical training to in-school training. See section on “Responsibilities Before School Starts”.
• Actively participate in and successfully complete the required on-the-job and in-class training.
• Keep track of progress in the Practical Training Record Book, including the required tasks and skills learned and skill sets needed to complete the apprenticeship. Ensure that the Report of Hours is up-to-date. Only hours entered and signed by the registered employer(s) in the Report of Hours will be credited toward the completion of the apprenticeship.
• The apprentice along with their employer/journeyperson, should establish a plan for the regular review of the practical training progress on a recommended bi-weekly basis.
• Ask for help when needed and review supports/services available.
• Report any changes (employment, address, name) immediately to the Apprenticeship Training Coordinator (ATC).
• Provide honest and loyal service, showing due regard for the property of the employer.
• Obey all lawful instructions given by the employer or any person designated by the employer.
• Work safely, not just for personal safety but for that of co-workers.

Employer/Journeyperson Responsibilities

• Grant hours to the apprentice through recognition of prior experience, training or previous time credits or through the regular submission of the Report Hours as below.
• Provide the apprentice with on-the-job training supervised by a certified journeyperson. Ensure that the apprentice has on-site access to and is able to mutually communicate with a journeyperson. All journeypersons are required to complete a Journeyperson’s Data Sheet in the Practical Training Record Book.
• Keep accurate records of the on-the-job training hours in the Report of Hours and verify the type of work completed in the Practical Training Record Book. When the apprentice is able to perform the task without guidance, the journeyperson should sign and date the Practical Training Record Book.
• The employer/journeyperson, along with the apprentice, should establish a plan for the regular review of the practical training progress on a recommended bi-weekly basis.
• Maintain a work environment that is conducive to learning the scope of the trade and offers the apprentice a safe place to work with proper equipment and shop facilities.
• Pay the apprentice’s wages (usually set at a rising percentage of the journeyperson wages).
• Arrange for the apprentice to have time for in-school technical training.
• Notify the local apprenticeship office if:
  • There are changes to facilities, equipment, or staffing which could affect the ability to provide on-the-job training or supervision.
  • The company relocates or changes its mailing address.
  • The apprentice leaves.

Apprenticeship Branch Training Coordinator

• Approval of Apprenticeship Agreement/Application.
• Ensure the apprentice has the Report of Hours and, where available, the Apprentice Portfolio and Practical Training Record Book.
• Monitor and assess the apprentice’s practical and technical training.
• When required, identify learning needs of the apprentice and recommend upgrading or other alternatives for skill development.
• Notify the apprentice when technical training and examinations are scheduled. The apprentice will be mailed documents outlining financial obligations, training and textbooks required for that level of apprenticeship training.
• Assist the apprentice in planning practical training. Evaluate the training program and facility.
• When requested, investigate complaints and act as a mediator to resolve issues.

Government/Apprenticeship Authority Responsibilities

• Work with industry through the Apprenticeship Trades Qualifications Board and Provincial Trade Advisory Committees (PTAC) to develop and maintain occupational definitions, training and certification standards.
• Set tuition fees and pay in-school technical training costs not covered by these fees.
• Keep employers and apprentices informed about the system.
• Issue certificates, monitor, and verify record books for apprentices and qualified journeypersons.
• Develop and manage examinations for each level of the program and final qualification for certification.
• Assist in the scheduling of in-school technical training.