Start an apprenticeship

How apprenticeships work

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a structured form of trades training where you learn by doing. Instead of just reading or listening, you get hands-on experience. Most of the time (about 80%), you work and learn on the job from skilled professionals—and you get paid while you learn!

The remaining time (about 20%) is spent in classroom-based learning, which might take place at a college, a union training center, or another learning space.

• Apprenticeships take 2 to 5 years, depending on the trade.
• Typically, you work for a year or more, then take 8-12 weeks of classroom training.
• This cycle continues until you complete the program.

Certificates you can earn

• Certificate of Apprenticeship – Issued by Skilled Trades Ontario when you officially complete your apprenticeship program.
• Certificate of Qualification – If your trade has a certifying exam, you can take it to get a Certificate of Qualification to prove you have all the skills needed for the job.
• Red Seal Endorsement – If your trade is part of the Red Seal program, passing the exam means you have demonstrated the knowledge required for the national standard in the trade.

Why choose an apprenticeship?

• Get paid while you learn
• Gain skills for a stable, well-paying career
• Learn from experienced professionals
• Earn an industry-recognized and respected certificate
• Enter a high-demand field with strong job prospects

Not sure which trade is right for you? Explore over 140 skilled trades in Ontario

Start your journey toward a rewarding career in the skilled trades today.

How to start an apprenticeship

Are you already a registered apprentice in another province or territory and moving to Ontario? Visit our Current apprentices page for more details.

An apprenticeship program begins when you sign a Training Agreement with a sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.  

You don’t need to take special courses or be in school to start – finding a sponsor is the key first step. If you want to try a trade before committing, there are programs to help you get started. Learn more.

Start your apprenticeship journey

• Step 1: Find out if you qualify
  To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must:

  • Be at least 16 years old,
  • Have legal permission to work in Canada (e.g., a valid Social Insurance Number),
  • Meet the education requirements for your chosen trade, and
  • Have a sponsor in Ontario.

• Step 2: Find a sponsor 
  A sponsor is the person that is responsible for making sure you receive all the training in your apprenticeship program. Some sponsors are individual employers (e.g., a contractor) or a group of employers (e.g., unions or non-union consortiums).

  Ways to find a sponsor

  Here are some ways to find a sponsor for your apprenticeship:

  • Ask at School – If you’re in high school, talk to your guidance counsellor about programs like OYAP, Specialist High Skills Major, or dual credit programs.
  • Check colleges – Many colleges have career centres to help students find apprenticeships.
  • Look online – Post your resume on job websites to find apprenticeship openings.
  • Employment Ontario (EO) – EO helps match apprentices with sponsors and offer training.
  • Unions and trade groups – Many skilled trades have unions or associations that help apprentices find sponsors.
  • Local companies – Search for businesses in your trade using local websites, newspapers, or directories.
  • Ask around – Talk to family, friends, or neighbors who work in the trades. They might know someone who is hiring!

• Step 3: Apply for an apprenticeship

  What you need to apply

  Personal information:

  • Social Insurance Number (SIN)
  • Mailing address
  • Email

  Sponsor’s information:

  • Legal name (may be different from business name)
  • Mailing address
  • Business phone number

  Sponsor contact person’s information:

  • First and last name
  • Phone number
  • Email

  Work details:

  • Start date with the sponsor
  • Number of work and training hours per week

  How to apply

  If you’re 18+, apply online through the Skilled Trades Ontario Portal for faster processing.

  If you’re 16-17 years old or unable to apply online, apply by email or mail. Download an Application for Apprenticeship Training, then:

  • Complete and sign the form (if under 18, a parent/guardian must sign).
  • Have your sponsor sign it.
  • Submit it to Skilled Trades Ontario by:
  • Email: apprenticeship@skilledtradesontario.ca
  • Mail: Skilled Trades Ontario, PO Box 2354 RPO SQ1 Shoppers, Mississauga, ON L5B 3C8

  Skilled Trades Ontario will review your application and let you and your sponsor know if your application is approved.

• Step 4: Sign and register your Training Agreement
  Once approved, you and your sponsor will sign a Training Agreement, officially registering you as an apprentice.

  • You can access your Registered Training Agreement through your Skilled Trades Ontario Portal account.
  • If you don’t have a Portal account, Skilled Trades Ontario will mail you a copy of your Registered Training Agreement.
  • Skilled Trades Ontario will send you a Registered Apprentice Wallet Card that you must carry while you work to prove that you are a registered apprentice.
  • If you’re in a compulsory trade, your name will appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.

• Step 5: Download your Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook
  An Apprenticeship Training Standard Logbook or Schedule of Training outlines all the skills and tasks you need to master during your apprenticeship. Your sponsor or trainer will sign off on each skill once you demonstrate proficiency.

  Your logbook includes:

  • The specific skills and tasks you need to master
  • Safety guidelines
  • Qualification benchmarks

  Download your logbook from the Trades information page.

  If your trade is a Red Seal trade, make sure you and your sponsor regularly review the resources on the Red Seal website. Understanding the National Occupational Analysis (NOA) or the Red Seal Occupational Standard (RSOS) for your trade will help you succeed in your program and on the certifying exam.

  Congratulations! You’ve officially started your journey toward a great career in the skilled trades!

How to prepare for an apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program begins when you sign a Training Agreement with a sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.

If you want to try a trade before you commit to an apprenticeship, learn skills or get started in high school, there are some programs that can help you get ready.

Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program (Pre-App)

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are government-funded, last up to one year, and may include:

• Level 1 apprenticeship schooling
• Academic upgrading

These programs are administered by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Learn more.

Get a head start in high school

It’s never too early to explore a career in the trades! High school programs like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) can provide hands-on experience before you graduate. Speak with your guidance counselor for more details.

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development administers programs for high school students. Learn more.