Frequently Asked Questions - Employers

Frequently Asked Questions-General

1. Does the person who trains an apprentice need to be certified?
2. How can trainers become certified?
3. What is the minimum or maximum wage an employer must pay an apprentice?
4. When does an employer increase an apprentice's level of pay?
5. How are journeyperson-to-apprentice training ratios established?
6. Can an apprentice's previous training and experience count as credit to the total technical and practical training hours required in a training level?
7. How do you complete a Report of Hours form?
8. Can overtime hours count towards required apprenticeship time?
9. Are employers eligible for any financial assistance to train apprentices?
10. What financial assistance is available to apprentices?
11. Who pays for books and tuition when your apprentice attends school?
12. If my trade has a Practical Training Record Book, am I expected to provide training for all the tasks documented in this book?
13. If I hire an individual who was a previously registered apprentice, do we need to sign another apprenticeship agreement?
14. When will my apprentice be called to attend technical training?
15. Do I have to let my apprentice leave work to attend technical training and/or to take examinations?

1. Does the person who trains an apprentice need to be certified?

All new applicants wanting trades training as apprentices must work under the supervision of a certified journeyperson who holds a Certificate of Qualification in that trade unless:

• a specific Trade Regulation provides accommodation for designated trainers such as in newer apprenticeship trades or where there are not enough certified journeypersons to supervise the work of apprentices. At present, these trades include Bricklayer, Cook, Concrete Finisher, Floorcovering Installer, Insulator (Heat & Frost), Ironworker, Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic), Roofer and Pork Production Technician or
• the designated trainer is in an Aboriginal or northern community

A Designated Trainer Work Experience Application must be submitted to the Apprenticeship Branch.

2. How can trainers become certified?

The Apprenticeship Branch is committed to providing opportunities for designated trainers to acquire certification. Review the section on Trades Qualification for more information.

3. What is the minimum or maximum wage an employer must pay an apprentice?

You must pay at least the trade regulation minimum wage for the applicable apprenticeship level. If the trade regulation does not state a minimum wage, then you must pay your apprentice at least the minimum wage for an apprenticeship level as stated in the Apprenticeship & Trades Qualifications General Regulation. There is no maximum wage requirement-you can pay your apprentice as much as you are able.

4. When does an employer increase an apprentice's level of pay?

When your apprentice meets all the requirements to advance to the next level of training, you must increase the rate of pay. To advance to the next level, your apprentice must:

• spend the required amount of calendar time in the trade as stated in the trade regulation - a minimum of 12 months
• complete the number of hours required for each apprenticeship level as stated in the trade regulation - for example, some trades require a minimum of 1200 hours per level
• attain a satisfactory grade in all required technical training
• pay tuition or any other fees owing to the Apprenticeship Branch

5. How are journeyperson-to-apprentice training ratios established?

As experience comprises the bulk of apprenticeship training, it is essential that each apprentice has on-site access to a journeyperson and receives the attention and guidance necessary to learn to perform the tasks of the trade safely and efficiently. An apprentice must receive close supervision when performing tasks that pose a high degree of risk. As your apprentice advances through the levels of training and becomes more competent in performing tasks, less supervision is needed. Apply common sense when determining the degree of supervision your apprentice needs in a specific situation.

The regulations for most trades state that only one apprentice can be supervised by one certified journeyperson. However, you can apply to change the training ratio by completing an Apprentice/Journeyperson Training Ratio form. Some regulations allow designated trainers to supervise apprentices particularly in occupations that are newly designated for apprenticeship training or in trades where there are insufficient numbers of journeypersons.

6. Can an apprentice's previous training and experience count as credit to the total technical and practical training hours required in a training level?

When you and your apprentice submit an application for registration with the Apprenticeship Branch, you may request that your apprentice receive credit for some technical training to reduce the overall technical training requirement and/or credit for some practical experience to shorten the length of the practical experience requirement. Time credit is issued by the Apprenticeship Branch through a process called Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition. If the Branch gives your apprentice enough credit to advance a full level, then you must pay your apprentice at least the trade regulation minimum wage applicable to the next level.

7. How do you complete a Report of Hours form?

If your apprentice leaves your employment, you must update this blue card. As well, on the first day of each level of technical training, your apprentice must bring an updated Report of Hours to class. Only the hours that you have documented and verified in the Report count towards the hours required to complete the practical training component.

8. Can overtime hours count towards required apprenticeship time?

Yes. Overtime hours may be used to complete the hours requirement for practical experience component in a level. However, overtime hours cannot be used to reduce the amount of time your apprentice must spend in each level. For example, if a trade regulation requires that each level of on-the-job training consists of at least 12 months, then overtime hours cannot be used to reduce this length of time.

9. Are employers eligible for any financial assistance to train apprentices?

The Manitoba Government's CareerFocus program provides wage incentives to employers who create new and additional positions for youth during the summer months. It also assists employers who provide training and skill development opportunities for youth 16 ro 24 years of age participating in the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option. Various tax incentives and grants are also available. Other wage subsidies are available for hiring immigrants with experience gained outside of Canada. Review section on Finances.

10. What financial assistance is available to apprentices?

Apprentices are in a unique situation because most of their learning is acquired on the job as paid employment. Apprentices have access to a limited amount of government financial assistance because the time they spend learning in-class is less than the time required for any funding assistance and because the Province of Manitoba is responsible for most of the costs associated with technical training. However, the apprentice is able to receive special grants and tax deductions, Employment Insurance (EI) during the time of technical training and apply for various Scholarships & Awards. Review the sections in Future Apprentices, Finances and Scholarships & Awards for more information.

11. Who pays for books and tuition when your apprentice attends school?

The Apprenticeship Branch covers the major portion of tuition fees for apprentices when they attend school. For each level of training, your apprentice is required to contribute a small portion of the tuition ($200, $250 or $275, depending on the trade) as well as the cost of any required textbooks. It is your choice to assist your apprentice with these tuition and book costs.

12. If my trade has a Practical Training Record Book, am I expected to provide training for all the tasks documented in this book?

No. The Apprenticeship Branch designed the Practical Training Record Book as a training tool that would ensure that your apprentice receives as much practical experience in the scope of the trade as possible. Few employers can give their apprentices all the recommended experience. The Apprenticeship Branch tries to balance the needs of both you and your apprentice by requesting that you provide practical experience that is considered suitable for your trade.

13. If I hire an individual who was a previously registered apprentice, do we need to sign another apprenticeship agreement?

Yes, you must complete a new apprenticeship agreement and register it with the Apprenticeship Branch. If this is done within a year of your apprentice's last place of employment, there is no fee for re-registration.

14. When will my apprentice be called to attend technical training?

It may be as soon as your apprenticeship agreement is registered or as long as a year. Generally, apprentices spend six months to a year in the trade before they are eligible for in-school training. There is an attendance policy. Apprentices must arrive at class on time and attend all classes.

The Apprenticeship Branch gives apprentices at least three months' notice before school classes start. At that time, your apprentice receives a Technical Training Notice and an information package. The Notice states the dates of technical training, the location and the required tuition contribution. Your signature is required on the Technical Training Notice. First-time apprentices must respond immediately to allow sufficient time to apply for and receive EI benefits.

15. Do I have to let my apprentice leave work to attend technical training and/or to take examinations?

In your agreement, you agreed to let your apprentice attend technical training. If you cannot spare your apprentice, notify the Apprenticeship Branch within 15 days after your apprentice receives the school call notice. The Branch will try to delay the technical training with the understanding that your apprentice will receive this training in the near future.

Technical training allows your apprentice to become more knowledgeable and to be more productive in problem solving. When apprentices attend technical school, they are learning the trade properly in the shortest time possible.

Hairstylist, Esthetician & Electrologist FAQ's

These trades require compulsory apprenticeship training, meaning that to legally work in Manitoba, you must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson.

1. What is the certification process?
2. How long is an apprenticeship?
3. Are there any other licensing requirements?
4. What is an employer's training obligations?
5. How many apprentices can be trained at one time?
6. Does the person training an apprentice need to be certified?
7. How do you complete a Report of Hours form?
8. What is the pay for an apprentice Hairstylist, Esthetician, and Electrologist?
9. Can overtime hours count towards required apprenticeship time?
10. Is there any information available to help train an apprentice?
    

1. What is the certification process?

An individual may become a registered apprentice while enrolled in, or after having successfully completed, training at an accredited institution. They are required to find an employer who will agree to provide practical skills development and enter into an apprenticeship agreement with them. After the Apprenticeship Branch registers the Apprenticeship Agreement, the apprentice must complete the required number of technical training hours (if they are still enrolled in an accredited training institution) and practical experience hours and pass any required examinations. Any hours worked before an Apprenticeship Agreement is registered by the Apprenticeship Branch are acquired illegally and are not counted toward completion of apprenticeship training.

*Esthetician Trade: In addition to the above, students who have completed technical training and attained 90% or higher on the Manitoba Esthetician, Nail Technician, or Skin Care Technician Practical Examination and who cannot secure a supervised position with a certified journeyperson can apply for a Temporary Permit from the Apprenticeship Branch to accumulate practical experience hours in their trade without supervision.

Trades Qualification: Non-certified clients from another province or country who seek certification in Manitoba can use their work experience for eligibility to challenge the practical and provincial or interprovincial written certification exams. Upon successful completion of both, with a minimum mark of 70%, the client will receive certification and attain journeyperson status.

2. How long is an apprenticeship?

To become a certified Hairstylist practical and technical training is 1500 hours per year for 2 years.

For the trade of Esthetician and its subtrades training is as follows:

• An apprentice who trains for Skin Care Technician AND Nail Technician is called an Esthetician and practical and technical training is 1600 hours per year for 2 years

• Nail Technician - practical and technical training is 1000 hours for 1 year

• Skin Care Technician - practical and technical training is 1100 hrs. /yr. for 2 years

To become a certified Electrologist practical and technical training is 1000 hours for 1 year.

In two-year apprenticeships, at the end of the first year and completion of hour requirements, an apprentice takes a practical examination and must score at least 70%. At the end of the second year and hour requirements, an apprentice writes a final theory exam and must again score at least 70% to qualify for a Certificate of Qualification.

3. Are there any other licensing requirements?

For the trades of Hairstylist, Skin Care Technician, Nail Technician, Esthetician and Electrologist, with the Certificate of Qualification, the Branch also issues an Authorization to Practise which must be renewed every two years.
* A specified number of hours is not required as a condition for renewal.

4. What is an employer's training obligations?

When you make an offer of employment to an individual who has completed institutional training, you (or the certified journeyperson who will provide training), and the apprentice complete an Apprenticeship Application Agreement, available on-line or from the Apprenticeship Branch. The apprentice returns the application to the Apprenticeship Branch. You and your apprentice receive a copy of the registered agreement.

The apprenticeship agreement between an employer and an apprentice is governed by The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act. Copies the Trades of Hairstylist, Esthetician or Electrologist are available on-line.

The certified journeyperson training an apprentice should:

• provide a safe learning environment and offer a well-rounded, practical trade training experience

• foster a work ethic conducive to training while minimizing productivity losses

• provide fair and equitable treatment of all employees and recognize and reward excellence

• provide appropriate supervision and honest feedback

• break tasks down into manageable components

5. How many apprentices can be trained at one time?

One certified journeyperson can supervise up to two apprentices. This 1:2 journeyperson-apprentice supervision ratio will expire and return to 1:1 for:

Hairstylist, April 30, 2010
Esthetician, October 31, 2008
Electrologist, April 30, 2008

An employer may apply to the Executive Director of Apprenticeship to change this ratio. The application is reviewed and a decision made on a case-by-case basis.

6. Does the person training an apprentice need to be certified?

Yes. You or your trainer must be certified and hold a valid Authorization to Practise. To legally work in these trades, individuals must be a registered apprentice, or be certified (with the exception of the Temporary Permit for Esthetician's). If you have staff who are not certified, contact the Branch for information on upgrading and certification requirements.

7. How do you complete a Report of Hours form?

After the Apprenticeship Agreement is registered, your apprentice receives an Apprentice work permit, a blue Report of Hours form, a trade Portfolio and a Pocket Identification Card. To verify the number of practical hours needed for a Certificate of Qualification, you or your journeyperson must calculate the hours your apprentice works and enter these hours in the Report of Hours form. Every six months your apprentice must mail the updated form to the Apprenticeship Branch. After recording these hours, the Branch will return the form.Only the hours documented and verified in the Report count towards the hours required. Review section on the What's in the Apprentice Training Package?.

If your apprentice leaves your business, you, as the employer must update the Report of Hours. The apprentice then sends the form to the Apprenticeship Branch.

8. What is the pay for an apprentice Hairstylist, Esthetician and Electrologist?

The regulations for the trades of Hairstylist, Esthetician and Electrologist state that the rate of wages for an apprentice shall not be less than the minimum wage plus 10 per cent during the first year and minimum wage plus 20 per cent during the second year. The second year begins on the anniversary date of your apprentice's registration, after your apprentice has completed required hours of work per year.

9. Can overtime hours count towards required apprenticeship time?

Yes. Overtime hours can count towards the hours needed to complete a level of training. However, overtime hours cannot be used to reduce the number of months your apprentice must spend in each level.

10. Is there any information available to help train an apprentice?

After your apprenticeship agreement is registered, your apprentice receives a trade portfolio. One of the components is a Practical Training Record Book that documents your apprentice's progress. It provides a means of recording trade skills learned as well as all the detailed tasks and sub-tasks that are part of the scope of the trade. You can also request an Employer's Guide to Apprenticeship Training, by filing out a Publication Order Form.