What is an Apprenticeship? 

By: Noah Severino & Michael Hinderyckx

An apprenticeship is a combination of learning a skilled trade through hands-on experience, employment experience and some classroom time. The bonus is you get paid as an apprentice!

For most apprenticeships, you work for a year and then switch to college classroom instruction for 8-12 weeks, either full or part-time. It can take anywhere from 2-5 years to complete an apprenticeship. You will be responsible for finding a tradesperson who is willing to be your sponsor, and then you must apply to the Ontario College of Trades for approval of the apprenticeship.

There are grants available to help you pay for school and the tools of the trade necessary to help you start your career.  Visit:

• Government of Canada - Apprenticeship Grants
• Employment Ontario - Start an Apprenticeship