Skills Council of America plays a vital role in connecting job seekers and learners to apprenticeship opportunities and supporting them throughout the process, guiding them through each step of becoming an apprentice.
They provide resources and support for individuals, including information on job opportunities, training requirements, and skills development programs. To further connect job seekers and learners to apprenticeship opportunities, Skills Council of America partners with employers, government organizations, and educational institutions, creating a robust network that enables access to apprenticeship opportunities and connections to training programs, ensuring success for aspiring apprentices.
The following are the steps and how Skills Council of America supports those interested in joining the trades.
To become an apprentice, individuals need to follow several steps:
Research the various skilled trades available to find the one that best aligns with your interests and career goals. To learn more about Trades in Ontario, CLICK HERE
Some trades require a high school diploma or a specific level of education. Make sure you meet these educational prerequisites before pursuing an apprenticeship. If you do not meet the required levels, Skills Council of Canada can help connect you to partners that would be able to support you.
You'll need to find an employer willing to hire you as an apprentice or a sponsor to oversee your apprenticeship training. Skills Council of Canada would work with you to search for potential employers through our online job boards, our partner local union offices, or through our apprenticeship training center.
Once you have an employer or sponsor, you'll need to sign a Registered Training Agreement (RTA). Your employer or sponsor will register with the apprenticeship with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
As an apprentice, you'll work under the supervision of a skilled professional, gaining hands-on experience and practical skills.
Alongside on-the-job training, you'll attend in-class technical training provided by Skills Council of Canada, offered through our Trades Training Institution. This training is usually organized in blocks, alternating between work and classroom learning.
Complete the required number of work and training hours as specified by your trade's regulations.
After completing your apprenticeship, you'll need to pass the trade-specific Certificate of Qualification exam to become a certified journeyperson in your trade. In some cases, you may also need to obtain a Red Seal endorsement for interprovincial recognition.
