FAQs - General

1. Why should I become an apprentice?
2. Do you have a list of employers looking for apprentices?
3. How can I pay my fees to the Apprenticeship Branch?
4. How much does technical training cost?
5. Will I get any credit for courses I have taken prior to becoming an apprentice?
6. I already have several years of experience in a trade. Will my work experience be counted if I register as an apprentice in that trade?
7. What is a compulsory trade?
8. How do I apply for a journeyperson examination?
9. How much does it cost to register as a tradesperson (also known as trades qualification)?
10. I am a certified journeyperson in a province other than Manitoba, but I don’t have my Red Seal interprovincial certification. How can I work in Manitoba in my trade as a journeyperson?
11. What financial assistance is available to me, as an apprentice?
12. What is a journeyperson?
13. Why is it important to be certified?
14. Do I have to complete my training with one employer?

1. Why should I become an apprentice?

• You can choose from over 50 different trade careers.
• You can earn money while you learn your trade.
• You learn both on the job and in school.
• You begin a career with little or no debt from training.
• Demand for qualified journeypersons is on the rise.
• Certified journeypersons are recognized across Canada.

2. Do you have a list of employers looking for apprentices?

No, we do not have a list of employers who are looking for apprentices. It is up to you, as a potential apprentice, to find an employer in your chosen field. If you would like assistance in this, please review the section “Find an Employer” for some helpful tips.

3. How can I pay my fees to Manitoba Apprenticeship?

Manitoba Apprenticeship accepts payments in cash, cheque, money order, MasterCard and Visa. Please note that we do not accept other types of credit cards. Credit card payments can be sent in by mail, fax, phone, or in person. For secruity reasons, do not e-mail credit card information to Apprenticeship Manitoba. Make all cheques and money orders out to “Minister of Finance.” Please do not send cash in the mail.

4. How much does technical training cost?

For class length up to 8 weeks, tuition is $200. Tuition is then $25 per additional week of class. You also pay for the required textbooks.

5. Will I get any credit for courses I have taken prior to becoming an apprentice?

Credit for courses taken prior to apprenticeship is evaluated on a case by case basis by Prior Learning and Assessment Recognition (PLAR). If you have taken accredited courses that are related to your trade, you may be eligible to be excused from one or more levels of apprenticeship technical training. If you have taken non-accredited courses and have work experience in your trade, it may be possible for you to ‘challenge’ the technical training level exam. For more information about PLAR, please contact the Apprenticeship Branch.

6. I already have several years of experience in a trade. Will my work experience be counted if I register as an apprentice in that trade?

Any experience in that trade will be assessed when you register as an apprentice or tradesperson. If you have enough documented experience, you may be eligible for trade qualification and certification as a journeyperson.

7. What is a compulsory trade?

A compulsory trade is a trade in which you must be a registered apprentice or a certified journeyperson to legally work in Manitoba. Construction Electrician, Crane & Hoist Equipment Operator (including Mobile, Boom Truck and Tower Crane Operators), Electrologist, Esthetician, Hairstylist, Industrial Electrician, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sprinkler System Installer, and Steamfitter/Pipefitter are all compulsory certification trades.

8. How do I apply for a journeyperson examination?

As an apprentice: Once you have completed all levels of apprenticeship training, you are eligible to write the journeyperson examination. Passing this exam results in you receiving your Certificate of Qualification and journeyperson status.

As a tradesperson: Once you have completed and submitted a Trades Qualification application, the appropriate trade Work Experience Form, and appropriate fee to the Apprenticeship Branch, the Branch will review your application. Once it has been accepted, an exam will be arranged for you. Passing this exam results in you receiving your Certificate of Qualification and journeyperson status.

9. How much does it cost to register as a tradesperson (also known as trades qualification)?

If you already have experience in trade or certification in a trade from another province/county, you may be eligible for trades qualification. This process requires a number of years and hours over a specified length of time in the trade in order to challenge the qualifiction exam. The trades Qualification Application Fee is $100 (which includes PLAR services). The Trades Qualification examination fee is $250. For certain trades, there is also a practical examination, which is $75. Trades Qualification without examiniation, or 'grandparenting' (for compulsory trades for a limited time), is $50.

If you have your interprovincial (Red Seal) Certificate of Qualification, you are eligible to work in Manitoba, however you may be required to have an additional permit/license to practise in your trade.

If you have a provincial/territorial Certificate of Qualification, and you wish to obtain employment in a compulsory trade in Manitoba, you may qualify under the Mutual Recognition process. See question #10.

10. I am a certified journeyperson in a province other than Manitoba, but I don’t have my Red Seal interprovincial certification. How can I work in Manitoba in my trade as a journeyperson?

If you hold an approved provincial/territorial Certificate of Qualification from another Canadian jurisdiction which has a high level of commonality in the scope of the trade with the designated trade in Manitoba, then you will be eligible to work in Manitoba through the Mutual Recognition process (AIT). A listing of approved Certificates of Qualification is available in the section on Mutual Recognition.
* Some trades may require an additional permit/license to practise in the trade, fees vary.

11. What financial assistance is available to me, as an apprentice?

If you have paid into an Employment Insurance (EI) account and have worked sufficient hours, you may be eligible to collect EI. Apprentices who are not collecting can still receive tuition and living supports. Information and applications for EI and other financial support will be sent to you before you begin your technical training. Tax incentives and grants are also available. Review section on Finances.
Scholarships are also available. Information about the latest scholarships can be viewed in the Scholarships & Awards section.

12. What is a journeyperson?

A journeyperson is an expert in a particular trade. He or she holds a Certificate of Qualification in their trade. The journeyperson is responsible for mentoring and training the apprentice in the workplace according the Apprenticeship Trades & Qualifications Act.

13. Why is it important to be certified?

Being a certified journeyperson is a real advantage in today’s workforce. It is proof that a tradesperson has all the training and skills needed to perform tasks which is important to many employers and to customers. Certified journeypersons also have a better chance in being promoted and making more money.

14. Do I have to complete my training with one employer?

No. However it is necessary that both the apprentice and the new employer notify the Apprenticeship Branch about this change. All of the training documentation is required from the previous employers to verify that the required skills have been obtained by the apprentice.