How to prepare

An apprenticeship is formal training for those who want a career in the skilled trades. It combines training on the job and in the classroom.

How you prepare depends on your situation:

Pre-apprenticeship training

If you’re interested in working in a trade but don’t have the skills or experience to get a job as an apprentice, you have the option to apply for pre-apprenticeship training.

How it works

You can get this training through different organizations, such as colleges or community agencies, across Ontario.

It’s free – costs for textbooks, safety equipment and tools are also covered.

The training goes for up to 52 weeks and starts at different times throughout the year.

You can receive:

  • safety training for skilled trades
  • training to improve your academic skills
  • basic level apprenticeship in-school training

Pre-apprenticeship training also includes a work placement for eight to 12 weeks.

How to qualify

There are programs for youth or adults who:

  • graduated from high school
  • left before finishing high school
  • are unemployed or underemployed (age and eligibility for Employment Insurance are not considered)
  • are Indigenous, newcomers to Canada, women, Francophone or youth-at-risk

How to apply

You can search for pre-apprenticeship training near you – then apply directly to the organization offering it.

If you want help finding and applying to an organization, contact Employment Ontario.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program

If you’re in high school you can earn co-op education credits through work placements in a skilled trade, such as:

  • automotive service technician
  • hairstylist
  • general carpenter

Co-op education credits are secondary school credits that you earn through a work placement.

How to qualify

To qualify for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), you must:

  • be at least 15 years old
  • be studying part-time or full-time in high school
    • either enrolled in Grade 11 or 12 or equivalent*
  • have earned at least 14 credits

*Students who completed grade 10 are eligible to participate in Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program during the summer before grade 11. Please contact your school’s guidance counsellor or local OYAP Coordinator to check if this is available at your school.

How to apply

Contact the OYAP coordinator for your school board. Find your school board’s coordinator below.

 

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