Apprenticeship Information
Ontario has apprenticeship programs for more than 150 trades in the following four sections;
Jobseekers: About Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a great way to get started in the trades and build a rewarding career. Apprentices take classes and learn their desired trade by working with experienced professionals, all while getting paid!
With over 150 trades, the opportunities are endless. If you are interested in an apprenticeship but are lacking the skills or experience to start one, you can apply to a pre-apprenticeship training program. Click on “Prepare for an Apprenticeship” below to learn more.
To begin an apprenticeship, you will need a sponsor; an employer who is willing to train you. Potential employers can be found using the Canada Job Bank linked below. Our team at Tracks is also happy to help you in your search to find a sponsor.
All trades require on the job training and full or part-time in school training to complete an apprenticeship. More details can be found under the “Start an Apprenticeship” link.
Once your training as an apprentice is complete, you will receive a Certificate of Apprenticeship. Upon receiving this certificate, you can arrange to complete your Certificate of Qualification exam. A Certificate of Qualification is not mandatory for many of the trades but can lead to more job opportunities and higher pay. To learn more, click on “Finish your Apprenticeship” below.
Additional Resources
Skilled Trades Ontario
Explore apprenticeships and skilled trades programs at Ontario Colleges
Skills Canada
Skills Ontario
Apprenticesearch.com
Search online for opportunities across Canada and information about the trades
Red Seal Program
Check out the Red Seal endorsement and learn how it can advance your career
SMWDB FAST
Ministry of Labour
OYAP
Visit the Ontaio Youth Apprenticeship Program page & learn about youth apprenticeships
Interested in an apprenticeship? Get started at Tracks.
Employers: About Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships don’t only serve jobseekers, employers can benefit as well. Financial incentives are available to eligible employers to help mitigate training costs and retain employees. The Achievement Incentive, Group Sponsorship Grant, and Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit are three programs designed to help Ontarian employers. Scroll down to learn more.
Beyond the financial benefit, taking on an apprentice is a great way to help train the next generation of tradespeople! Interested in finding an apprentice? Contact us to discuss the possibility.
The Achievement Incentive
Eligible employers receive up to $4,000 when apprentices meet specific milestones, including:
- $1,000 milestone payments for each level of in-class training completed by the apprentice, up to a maximum of 3 levels.
- An additional $1,000 payment once the apprentice achieves the highest level of trade certification in their respective trade.
Group Sponsorship Grant
The Group Sponsorship Grant gives up to $1,000,000 annually to encourage employers to come together using a group sponsorship arrangement to hire and train apprentices.
In a group sponsorship arrangement, employers share apprenticeship management and training responsibilities.
The program provides grants over a maximum of three years.
Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit
Eligible employers may be able to receive financial support from the federal government.
The Apprenticeship Job Creation Tax Credit is equal to 10% of the apprentice salary, payable to eligible employers with a maximum of $2,000 per year per apprentice for the first two years of the apprenticeship in Red Seal trades.