How to start an apprenticeship program in your workplace

Making apprenticeship part of your business is a lot easier than you may think.

Follow these six steps in order to successfully implement an apprenticeship training program:

1. Assess the needs of your business

To begin, clearly define what role an apprentice could play within your business and what skills you are looking for in a new employee. Also think about hiring an apprentice through the High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP). It is important to identify a certified journeyperson/designated trainer who is capable and committed to training new staff to meet your standards and business requirements. Review the Apprenticeship and Certification Act and the specific trade regulations.

2. Research government grants & assistance available to employers

Hiring an apprentice is a smart business investment! Make sure to review the various forms of funding available for employers who choose to hire and train apprentices. Review the section on Grants and Tax Deductions and Scholarships and Awards. Link to various government assistance programs is available under section Employer Resources.

3. Find an apprentice

When you are ready to start training a new apprentice, promote the opportunity within your organization, newspapers, employment websites and through various trade and union organizations. Qualified candidates can also be found with the assistance of the following organizations:

• Trade/Industry Associations
• Colleges and Training Institutions
• Local Secondary Schools or School Board Offices

4. Contact Apprenticeship Manitoba

Once you have an employee on staff, contact Apprenticeship Manitoba to find out how to register your new employee as an apprentice. This will involve the following:

• Signing the Apprenticeship Application/Agreement that outlines the responsibilities of all parties throughout the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Assigning a certified journeyperson\designated trainerto provide practical training according to trade standards.
• Verifying the number of hours an apprentice works.
• Paying a pre-determined, industry-set wage.

Apprenticeship Manitoba will also be able to provide you with information on the certification and other requirements of your new apprentice’s trade. Also review the section on Roles and Responsibilities and Tips for Successful Training.

What Your Apprentice Receives:
After your apprenticeship agreement is registered, your apprentice receives an Apprentice Pocket Identification Card and a blue book called a Report of Hours.

5. Allow and prepare for in-class portion of training

In addition to completing a minimum number of prescribed on-the-job hours of practical experience for each level of training, your apprentice is also required to attend in-class training in order to become certified. Apprenticeship Manitoba will inform your apprentice of their technical training schedule in advance by sending them a Technical Training Calendar. Work with your apprentice to develop a schedule that will work for both of you.

6. Monitor your apprentice’s progress

The employer or certified journeyperson training your apprentice documents and verifies hours worked in the Report of Hours. Each time your apprentice is called to attend technical training, the Report of Hours must be updated. Your apprentice forwards it to Apprenticeship Manitoba where the accumulated hours worked towards the total number of hours required are recorded.

Apprenticeship Manitoba will then return the Report to your apprentice. Only hours documented in the Report will count towards the hours required to complete the practical training component of your apprentice's training.