Apprenticeship programs are designed for people who are interested in working in a trade. While some of the program will be spent in class study, most of the instruction is on the job.

What: Apprenticeship programs refer to a system of training that leads to certification or licensing. When apprentices complete their training, they become journey certified.

Sample program titles:

• Blaster
• Baker
• Autobody repairer
• Heating system installer
• Gas fitter
• Hoist operator

Where: Apprenticeship programs may be offered through

• on-the-job programs
• community colleges
• career colleges (private)

How: Apprenticeship programs take place on the job with short periods of classroom learning. Formal exams are required at several levels in the training process.

Cost: Apprentices usually "earn while they learn." Apprentices may receive a training allowance during the in-school part of their program and receive wages from employers during on-the-job training. However, the wage is lower than that of a fully certified journeyperson.

Keep in mind: In choosing a trade, you should find out if the trade council, apprenticeship branch or union:

• will provide you with continuous upgrading and quality training.
• ensures that what you learn is current through ongoing contact with the educational institutions that provide in-school teaching.
• has, or is lobbying for, national standards that will ensure quality in the trade and allow for workers to move from one province to another without having to retrain or re-certify.

Want more information? Check out:

• The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG)
  
  
• Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
  Want to know more about apprenticeship from the perspective of employers, educators, and apprentices themselves? This Web site provides reports and provincial/territorial information.
  
  
• Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship Offices Each province/territory regulates the trades within its jurisdiction. However, people in some trades can take an interprovincial exam in order to work across Canada. Find out how the "Red Seal" program works.