How to become an Apprentice

By Brooke Goodman

An apprenticeship is a great way to gain experience, gain hands-on skills, network with the company, and launch your dream career! It takes some practice and dedication but with the right mindset and these steps, you can get the apprenticeship you have always wanted.

Before beginning, it is important to know what an apprenticeship is and how it is achieved. An apprentice is a person who is learning a trade from a skilled employer. Apprentices are paid positions and can be thought of as a student or trainee for the employer. Apprentices are there to help out, gain experience, and get to know the field you want to work in.

This is how to start your apprenticeship:

STEP 1: Find out how you qualify
Research is the key to success – make sure you research what you’re going in to and what to expect. it’s going to be hard to deliver what your employer will want from you unless you know what to expect. Don’t lie to them, make sure you are being realistic about your past experience and knowledge level and ensure you know what you’re supposed to do before you volunteer yourself for an opportunity you are not prepared for.

To Qualify for an apprenticeship:

• Be 16 years old or older
• Legal permission to work in Canada. For example a social insurance number (SIN).
• Meet the educational requirements. (Stay focused on your school work as well as your apprenticeship)
• Have a sponsor

STEP 2: Get yourself a sponsor
Finding an apprenticeship is exactly the same as finding any other job. Its important to find yourself a sponsor to assist with training and provide you with opportunities to work in the field. A sponsor is the employer responsible for your on the job training. Below are some resources listed to help you find your sponsor.

Resources:

• Job Gym staff can help with your job search and offer employment services and training opportunities, like matching apprentices to sponsors.
• High School guidance counsellor: Their job is to guide you, to lead you towards a good path. They will help you find sponsors for your apprenticeship and you can work together to make it happen.
• Colleges: For most colleges there is a placement office or a career center. It will have lots of apprenticeship opportunities.
• College guidance counsellor: For most colleges you are able to get a guidance counsellor for free. They help you look for work in your field, help you know what to do after you graduate, and help direct you to the right area for a sponsor.
• Google: Visit the job bank to post your resume and availability for an apprenticeship in your chosen trade.
• Unions or trade associations: Many trades have unions or associations with resources to find and match apprentices to sponsors.
• Local Companies: Companies in your local community are always looking for ways to give back and find ways to help out their people. Take some time to research the local trades. Everything now is a google search away so do what you can to find out resources you can use.
• Networking: This is the best way to find hidden opportunities. Knowing people and not burning bridges keeps opportunities open for you to find sponsors. If you know anyone in the skilled trades, ask if anyone is hiring and willing to take on a sponsor.

STEP 3: Register for your apprenticeship:
Now comes the part we have been waiting for. This is where you have done your research, felt ready, found a place for your apprenticeship, found a sponsor, and now you can finally apply.

Here’s how to apply:
If you are 16-17 years old:

• You must download a paper application.
• Save the application onto your computer/laptop
• Print the document and sign it
• Get a parent or guardian to sign it
• Mail, submit in person, or scan the completed and signed document application for your local Employment Ontario apprenticeship training office.

18 and older:

• You can apply online. You must complete the application in one session.
• Before beginning make sure you have this information with you:

Your information:

• social insurance number (SIN)
• full mailing address
• email address
• (The ministry will send notices about your apprenticeship training to this email address.)

Sponsor’s information:

• full legal name (often different than the business name)
• full mailing address
• business phone number

Sponsor contact person’s information:

• first and last name
• phone number
• email address

Work arrangement details:

• start date with the sponsor
• number of work and training hours per week

STEP 4: Sign a training agreement
Training is a very important step and must be thorough. Always make sure you are feeling safe while training, are asking any questions you might have, and doing your best to ensure the safety of yourself and those around you.

If your application is approved, the ministry will:

• create a training agreement for you and your sponsor to sign
• approve the signed agreement
• register your apprenticeship training

STEP 5: Register with the Ontario College of Trades

• Once your training agreement has been registered, you have 90 days to apply for membership with the Ontario College of Trades.
• You must be a member of the College to work as an apprentice.
• Download the application form and read the application guide for apprentices to learn how to apply (PDF).

Working in the trades is an amazing opportunity. It takes hard work and commitment and the pay off is incomparable. The opportunity to network, learn the skills from a mentor, and being able to start off with a company will be worth the research and dedication you put into it. There are many resources available to help you! John Howard’s Society Job Gym is always willing to help you with your employment goals!