Français Menu

Home Education and training Apprenticeship and industry training

Start an apprenticeship
Find out how you qualify and apply to be an apprentice in a skilled trade.

On this page
1. How apprenticeship works 3. How to prepare for an apprenticeship

2. Explore the trades 4. How to start an apprenticeship

Related

Already checked to see if you qualify? Apply for an apprenticeship Prepare for apprenticeship

Looking for a sponsor or employer? Visit the job bank Change apprenticeship sponsor

Money for apprentices

Finish an apprenticeship

How apprenticeship works Employment Ontario apprenticeship o"ces

Skilled Trades Ontario

As an apprentice, you learn a skilled trade on the job. You work with and learn from experienced
workers, and get paid while you do it. Chat with us live
Weekdays
You also learn in a classroom from instructors who know the trade. This may take place on a
8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET
college campus or in a union training centre.

For most trades, you work for a year and then switch to studying in class for eight to 12 weeks, Chat live now
either full or part-time. It takes between two to !ve years to complete an apprenticeship.

Get help and advice

If you need help or advice at any point before, during or after your apprenticeship, contact
Employment Ontario or get help in person at an apprenticeship o"ce near you.

25,000 70 1 in 5

employer sponsors in in-class training sites new jobs between 2017

2016-17 to 2021 will be trades-
related

Explore the trades

There are di#erent types of trades, including:

construction trades (for example, construction and maintenance electrician)

industrial trades (for example, welder)

motive power trades (for example, automotive service technician)

service trades (for example, hairstylist)

View the full list of designated trades.

Search trades-related job pro!les to see what’s in demand, how much you can earn, education
requirements and more.

How to prepare for an apprenticeship

Get free pre-apprenticeship training in eligible trades and take college courses in a skilled trade.

Find more information on how to prepare for apprenticeship.

If you’re in high school

Talk to your teachers and guidance counsellors to help you:

!nd an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) cooperative education placement

take courses that match your career goals

start your journey into the skilled trades through the Specialist High Skills Majors and dual
credit programs

How to start an apprenticeship

1 Find out if you qualify

To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must:

be at least 16 years of age

have legal permission to work in Canada (for example, have a valid social
insurance number)

meet the educational requirements for your chosen trade

have a sponsor in Ontario

2 Find an employer or sponsor

A sponsor is someone who provides you with apprenticeship training. A sponsor can
be a single employer, individual (for example, a contractor) or a group of employers
(for example, unions or non-union consortiums).

How to find a sponsor

Guidance counsellor: If you’re in high school, ask your guidance counsellor for
advice and referrals for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and other
programs (Specialist High Skills Major, dual credit program.)

Colleges: Most colleges have a placement o"ce, or can direct students to a

career centre to help !nd apprenticeship opportunities.

Online: Visit the job bank to post your resume and availability for an
apprenticeship in your chosen trade.

Employment Ontario (EO): EO o#ers employment services and training

opportunities, like matching apprentices to sponsors.

Unions or trade associations: Many trades have unions or associations with

resources to !nd and match apprentices to sponsors.

Local companies: Research local companies in the skilled trades. Try your local
online resources, newspapers, or other directories.

Your network: ask around to see if anyone you know is in the skilled trades
and if they are hiring or know someone who is hiring.

3 Apply for an apprenticeship

If you're 18 years old or older

You can apply online through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal (STOP).

Before you begin the application process, make sure you have this information handy:

your personal 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 di#erent than the business name)

full mailing address

business phone number

sponsor contact person’s information:

!rst and last name

phone number

email address

work arrangement details:

start date with the sponsor

number of work and training hours per week

If you’re 16 to 17 years old

You must download a paper application.

1. save the application to your computer

2. !ll out the application

3. print the application and sign it

4. get your parent or guardian and your sponsor to sign it

5. mail (or submit it in-person) the completed, signed application to your local
Employment Ontario apprenticeship training o"ce

We will review your application and let your sponsor know whether or not your
application was approved.

Note: You can change your sponsor later.

4 Sign a training agreement

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

Updated: November 08, 2022

Published: September 16, 2016

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training Questions or comments

and Skills Development There are many ways to contact the Government of Ontario.

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

advances safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are Contact us
essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario.

About Ontario Accessibility News Privacy Terms of use

© King’s Printer for Ontario, 2012–22