Supports & Services

There are a number of supports and services available to assist apprentices during their apprenticeship training.

Employer & Apprenticeship Training Coordinator (ATC)

Since most apprentices begin their training on-the-job (practical training), the employer/certified journeyperson and the Apprenticeship Training Coordinator assigned to particular trade (ATC), become the main supports during the first several months of the apprenticeship. These individuals assist the apprentice with the work plan, monitoring outcomes and identifying learning needs. It is the responsibility of the apprentice to ask questions and follow up on concerns with the employer/certified journeyperson or ATC throughout the apprenticeship training.

Essential Skills

Essential Skills: Developing the practical skills, knowledge and experience to succeed in a career in the trades is important, but you must also have basic skills for effective learning during your apprenticeship technical training. These “essential” skills – in key areas, such as reading, math, inter-personal communication and computers – help ensure your success as a student, an apprentice and ultimately as a journeyperson. If you have been out-of school for sometime or you feel your learning skills are a bit rusty, Essential Skills may be for you.

Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process used to identify, document, assess and recognize skills and knowledge. If you have previous trade experience, or experience in an accredited or non-accredited trades program and would like your credentials assessed, you may be eligible for PLAR.

Special Accommodations

The Apprenticeship Branch will consider special accommodations for administering examinations to candidates with disabilities or language barriers. If, for example, English is not your first language, you may obtain permission to use a translator, a reader or language dictionary. You may also request more time to write the examination. Documentation from a qualified professional are required (i.e. medical doctor, educational psychologist, International Centre representative etc.) Contact the Apprenticeship Branch for an application at least one month prior to examination.

Funding Assistance

Funding Assistance: As an apprentice, you will be paid a wage for your experience on the job. In addition, you will have the opportunity to apply for Employment Insurance benefits when you begin your technical/in-school training. These benefits could also include financial assistance from Employment Manitoba to cover costs associated with tuition, child care, living away from home, travel assistance, commuting allowance and disability allowance. Grants and Tax Deductions and scholarships and awards are also available. If you are interested in furthering your career as a journeyperson and starting your own business, various funding assistance programs are also available.

Information about Immigration & Assistance for Recent Immigrants and International Trades Professionals

People from around the world continue to choose Manitoba as their destination. Manitoba offers a rich and varied geography, abundant natural resources, an enviable standard of living and a diversified, growing economy - it’s an ideal place to live, work and raise a family. The province of Manitoba also offers various supports to qualified, skilled and experienced individuals in order to assist with immigration, working in Canada or to assist with recognition of foreign credentials. More information about the programs below can be found at www.immigratemanitoba.com.

These include the following:

• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) - The MPNP is an economic program which selects skilled workers who have the training, work experience, and language ability to be employed in Manitoba and make a positive contribution to the provincial economy.
• Skilled Workers and Professionals - This program assists immigrants with professional and/or technical backgrounds in gaining recognition for education and work experience obtained outside of Canada.
• Canadian Work & Study Permit - If you are not a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident, a work permit and study permit is required to complete an apprenticeship.
• English as an Additional Language - Provides Canadian Language Benchmark assessments which are a national standard in English and French for describing, measuring and recognizing second language proficiency of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants for living and working in Canada.
• English Skills Centre Inc. - Specialized English language training for business, trades professionals and apprentices.

Supports at Apprenticeship Training Schools

Supports at Apprenticeship Training Schools: Assistance with housing, transportation, counseling and academic advising services are available directly at apprenticeship training colleges.

Assistance Prior to Technical/In-School Training

Assistance Prior to Technical/In-School Training: Once you are registered as an apprentice, there are a number of ways in which to prepare for your technical training.

Certification Exam Preparation (CEP) Workshops

CEP workshops assist the apprentice in preparing in advance for their certification exam. Topics covered include study skills, test taking skills, sample exam questions, creating a study plan, and useful information about what to bring and what happens on examination day. CEP workshops are held once a month. Contact the Apprenticeship Branch for information.