Apprenticeship is an agreement between a person who wants to learn a skill, (an apprentice), and an employer who needs a skilled worker. Apprenticeship is a proven industry-based training system that combines on-the-job experience with technical training to produce a certified journey person. Upon completion of the specified training period and successful writing of an examination, apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification. On average, 85% of the apprentice’s two to five years is spent in the workplace, the rest is spent at a training institution. Apprenticeship training begins when a student first registers at a training institution, or signs a Contract of Apprenticeship with an employer, and continues until such time as the apprentice has completed all of the required technical training and has received the required industry experiences necessary to write an interprovincial examination.

What is the Interprovincial Standards “Red Seal” Program?

The Red Seal program was established to provide greater mobility across Canada for skilled workers. Through the program, apprentices who have completed their training and certified journey persons, are able to obtain a “Red Seal” endorsement on their Certificate of Qualification by successfully completing an Interprovincial Standards Examination. The program encourages standardization of provincial and territorial apprenticeship training and certification programs. The “Red Seal” allows qualified persons to practice the occupation in any province or territory in Canada where it is designated, without having to write further examinations.

To date, there are forty-five occupations included in the Red Seal program on a national basis. Because legislation permits each province and territory to designate apprenticeship programs for their own requirements, there are in excess of 150 apprenticeship programs available across Canada. Human Resources Development Canada, in collaboration and consultation with the provinces and territories, produces an Ellis Chart which is a comparative chart of these apprenticeship training programs across Canada.

What are the entrance requirements for apprenticeship?

To gain entry into the occupation as an apprentice, you are required to:
– complete the designated first year courses specific to the occupation; or indenture into the occupation by an employer, who agrees to provide the appropriate training and work experiences as outlined in this plan of training.
– be enrolled in a program of study that includes all entry and advanced level skills and required work experiences, as approved by the Provincial Apprenticeship Board.

Each candidate must have successfully completed a high school program or equivalent and in addition may be required to have completed certain academic subjects as specified in particular plans of training. Mature students, at the discretion of the Director of Institutional and Industrial Education, may be registered. A mature student is defined as one who has reached the age of 19 and who can demonstrate the ability and the interest to complete the requirements for certification.