Manitoba offers apprenticeship programs for more than 50 trades. Explore the trade profiles to learn about the requirements for each trade.

Each trade profile includes:

• a description of the trade
• regulation or by-law for the trade
• minimum wage rates for apprentices
• requirements for apprentices at each level

Pathways to Certification

Pathways to Becoming a Journeyperson

There are two pathways to earn your Certificate of Qualification in a trade. One way is to become an apprentice; the second way is to become a trade qualifier. A trade qualifier is an experienced tradesperson who meets minimum requirements on the job. Trade qualifiers challenge the certification exam for their trade to earn their Certificate of Qualification. Becoming a journeyperson is a big achievement that opens many doors of opportunity.

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What is Apprenticeship?

Apprenticeship is a work-based post-secondary training program that leads to a Certificate of Qualification. Apprenticeship Manitoba provides apprenticeship programs for more than 50 designated trades in Manitoba. Developed in consultation with industry, apprentices learn skills that make them job-ready and help contribute to a skilled Manitoba workforce.

Path to Journeyperson

Once you decide on a trade, you’ll need to find an employer in that trade who agrees to hire you as an apprentice. You and your employer enter into an Apprenticeship Agreement with one another. Then, you register this agreement with Apprenticeship Manitoba for your apprenticeship to begin.

Both apprentices and employers have responsibilities which are outlined in the agreement.

Apprentice Responsibilities + Employer Responsibilities +

Many trades are four-year programs, while some are two or three years. What you learn along the way differs based on your trade, but how you progress through levels is similar for most trades.

Each level of training requires:

• On-the-Job Work Experience

  You will spend about 80 per cent of your apprenticeship working on the job. Here you will learn the knowledge and skills for your trade from a certified journeyperson. Each trade has a minimum number of on-the-job training hours required for each level.

• Technical Training

  You will participate in technical training in a classroom setting for about 20 per cent of your apprenticeship. This learning helps to reinforce and expand on what is learned on the job. Once you have completed the required number of on-the-job hours, you can register for technical training delivered by a recognized technical training provider. You need to complete and pass the technical training before progressing to the next level.

• Time in the Trade (Calendar time/Anniversary time)

  You will spend a minimum of one full calendar year per level completing your apprenticeship program. This time allows you to practise and improve your skills before progressing to the next level of training.

Certification & Licence

Once you’ve completed all levels and apprenticeship requirements for your program, you must pass the certification (final) exam. The minimum passing grade is 70 per cent. Some trades also include a practical exam that you must also pass). Passing your certification exam will qualify you for a Certificate of Qualification, making you a journeyperson. As well, some trades require a licence to work in them; for example, a Gasfitter licence is provided by Manitoba’s Inspection and Technical Services branch. These details are included in the trade profiles.

Certification Exam

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Making it Easier

The Manitoba government subsidizes apprenticeship programs so that tuition fees for technical training are among the lowest of post-secondary training programs.

Apprentices may also be eligible for financial support during technical training, such as allowances for:

• lodging
• travel
• commuting
• child care
• and more

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Employment Insurance (EI) benefits may also be available to qualifying apprentices during technical training (while away from your job).

In addition, financial incentives, bursaries and grants are available to all apprentices.

There are also unique supports and services available to employers to hire women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, newcomers and LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Financial Incentives

Help is Here

Does this describe you?

• I’ve been out of school for a long time
• I didn’t graduate from high school
• I have a learning disability
• I’m a newcomer

Begin your apprenticeship knowing Apprenticeship Manitoba can connect you with services and supports to help you succeed as an apprentice.

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If You Have Experience

Have you:

• Trained towards a Red Seal trade elsewhere in Canada?
• Completed an accredited pre-employment program through a Private Vocational Institution or high school program?
• Completed hours under the High School Apprenticeship Program (HSAP)?
• Already been certified in a related trade?
• Been working in a field related to your trade?

Apprenticeship Manitoba may provide credit for your learning and work experiences. It is important to discuss past experiences with your employer. Make sure you include this information when you apply and complete your Apprenticeship Agreement. Your application will be reviewed and you will receive notification regarding which experiences meet the criteria for your program. You may be able to skip portions of your apprenticeship program because of your previous experience in the trade.

Level Placement

Depending on your education and experience, you may be able to advance through your apprenticeship and start at a second or third level. To do this, you will need to write a level placement exam if one is available for your trade. Your qualifications will be assessed when you complete your Apprenticeship Agreement.

Trained Elsewhere

If you have taken technical or practical training elsewhere in Canada, you can be assessed for credit in your Manitoba program.

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Labour Mobility

If you have received certification elsewhere in Canada for a trade that requires compulsory certification in Manitoba, your certification will be recognized. Learn more about the Canadian Free Trade Agreement.

Labour Mobility

Newcomers

If you are a newcomer to Canada, learn more about what trades require compulsory certification. Also, when you may register and how to access supports.

Newcomer

Credit for Prior Training

Completion of an accredited pre-employment program can be applied towards an apprenticeship program. When you complete your Apprenticeship Agreement, include the following:

• proof of completion such as an official transcript or equivalent
• program accreditation number

Reminder — you must use your pre-employment credit within two years for it to be applied to your apprenticeship requirements.

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