How To Start

Follow these five steps in order to begin your apprenticeship training:

1. Research your trade of interest

There are over 200 Skilled trades in Canada, but which one is right for you? Assess your interests, skills, aptitude and the kind of lifestyle you want. Review the Manitoba trade program chart for details, research the trade on the internet, speak with your career/guidance counselor, connect with a trade professional in your area.

Options to get a head start on your apprenticeship:
a) Senior Years Apprenticeship Option for high school students - Obtain high school credits and practical work experience in a trade all at the same time. Available to students in an approved grade 10, 11 or 12 program who are taking the core subjects between grades 9-12. Course credit is available for every 110 hours worked as an apprentice outside of your regular high school courses. Homeschooled and Mature Diploma students are also eligible. Minimum age to enrol is 16 years.

b) Pre-Apprenticeship/Pre-Employment - Prospective apprentices may prepare for apprenticeship training by enrolling in an accredited trade program offered at various Manitoba colleges, training centres and high schools. These programs only offer technical/in-school training that can be credited towards an apprenticeship program upon completion.

2. Know Your Requirements

a. General Admission* - A high school diploma or equivalent is required for most trades programs. As many of the trades are either technology based, require calculations and an environment in which you will be working with people, it is important to have courses in English, math and sciences. A Canadian Benchmark of Level 6 or 7 is recommended for all trades. Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR) may be used to identify recognize skills and knowledge that can be credited towards apprenticeship training (i.e. SYAO, Pre-Apprenticeship/Pre-Employment)

b. Access Program Trainee (formally Mature Students) - If you are 19 years or older and do not hold a high school diploma, you qualify as an Access Program Trainee. A Canadian Language Benchmark of Level 6 or 7 is recommended with some trades requiring Level 8 or 9. Upgrading may be required based on a mandatory Essential Skills Assessment.
Note: Access Program Trainees will be able to accumulate on-the-job hours. However, they will not be enrolled in technical/in-school training until Essential Skills Assessment has been undertaken and any gap in training has been completed.

View section on supports and services for a complete list of supports such as PLAR, English language upgrading, immigration etc.

*See section on Trades Qualification for applicants with previous trade experience.

3. Find an Employer to Hire You

Once you have chosen a trade, you must find a qualified employer to hire you as an apprentice. Approach this task like a job search, knowing that 80% of all job openings are never advertised. See section on Find an Employer for more information.

4. Register as an Apprentice & Submit your Application Fee

Once you have found an employer to hire you, you will need to register as an apprentice. Either you or your employer can obtain an Apprenticeship Application/Agreement which will require information and signatures from both of you.

If you are not a Canadian Citizen or permanent resident a work permit and study permit will be required.

After your application is approved and your apprenticeship agreement is registered, you learn the skills of the chosen trade by working closely with certified trades professionals in the business. For the work you do, your employer pays you a wage.

5. Start Your Career

After completing the program requirements and passing the required exams for your chosen trade you will receive your Certificate of Qualification. In most trades if you achieve 70% or higher on your final exam, you qualify for an interprovincial or “Red Seal” endorsement. With a “Red Seal” endorsed Certificate of Qualification, an experienced worker becomes a certified journeyperson who can practice their trade across Canada. CONGRATULATIONS!