Implementing
an Apprenticeship Program
Making apprenticeship part of your business is a lot easier than
you may think.
Here is a step-by-step guide
to help you on your way to making apprenticeship support the success
of your business:
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.
It is also important to identify a certified journeyperson who is
capable and committed to training new staff to meet your standards
and business requirements. Review the Aprenticeship Trades and Qualifications
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 CareerFocus,
Grants
and Tax Deductions and Scholarships
and Awards. Link to various government assistance programs is
available under section Employer/Trainer
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:
4. Contact the Apprenticeship Branch
Once you have an employee on staff, contact the Apprenticeship
Branch 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 to provide practical training
according to trade standards.
- Verifying the number of hours an apprentice works.
- Paying a pre-determined, industry-set wage.
The Apprenticeship Branch 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 Training
an Apprentice.
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. In most cases, your apprentice will also
receive an Apprentice Portfolio containing information about the
trade and technical training.
For more information, see the section on What’s
in the Apprenticeship Training Package?
You can also request an Employer's Guide and/or Journeypersons
Guide to Apprenticeship Training. Contact the Apprenticeship
Branch.
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. The Apprenticeship Branch will inform your apprentice
of their technical training schedule in advance by sending them
a Notice of Technical Training. 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 the Apprenticeship Branch where the accumulated hours worked
towards the total number of hours required are recorded. The Branch
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.
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