An apprentice is someone who learns a skilled trade on the job, under the direction of more experienced workers. Apprentices are employees and earn a salary while training. Training also includes periods of classroom instruction.

If this idea sounds interesting, then browse the over 150 registered skilled trades available to you in Ontario by using the Information Finder on apprenticetrades.ca.

Some of these trades require workers to have a Certificate of Qualification. This certificate acknowledges the successful completion of a provincial qualification exam. Click HERE to see if your chosen trade requires voluntary or mandatory certification.

Starting an apprenticeship requires finding an employer to hire and train you in your chosen trade. This is where you can begin to navigate services for apprentices to help get you started, through our Employment Services Program. Click HERE to visit our Employment Services page.

If you’re still in a public or catholic high school, you may be interested in the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Click on logo below for more information.

In college? Try the Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program. Call the Employment Ontario apprenticeship office serving Hamilton/Burlington/Flamborough (905-521-7764) or the Brantford office (519-756-5197) for availability.

A $1,000 Apprenticeship Scholarship for Youth through YMCA Employment Services would also help. Participants must meet the eligibility requirements; Having left school before completing the necessary academic requirements for registering in a trade; Be committed to achieving the necessary academic requirements within one year; Demonstrate an interest in the skilled trades. A young person participating in the program will receive a $1,000 scholarship if they have; Completed his or her academic upgrading; Are employed; Are registered as an apprentice.

The Loans for Tools Program offers new apprentices a loan to help them buy the tools and equipment they need to perform the trade in which they are registered. You get this loan agreement in the information package the Ministry sends to each newly registered apprentice.

YMCA Employment, Training & Settlement Services has a history of offering pre-apprenticeship training programs designed for participants interested in securing an apprenticeship. As a pre-apprentice, students have the opportunity to develop job specific skills while working with licensed technicians in their chosen field, on their way to obtaining a Level 1 college level training certification as required by the Provincial Apprenticeship Training Standards.

These programs are funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered in partnership with community colleges. Program offerings vary in accordance to labour market demand, and are of no cost to participants. Even costs for text books, safety equipment and tools are included.

Check this space periodically to see what pre-apprenticeships are now being offered by the YMCA.

Information on the 2011 program below!

Employment Ontario (EO) is the one-stop employment and training network for Ontario. EO can direct you to the training, education, skills and experience you need to begin an apprenticeship. EO will also help connect people looking for work with employers looking for workers.

The apprenticeship office for the Hamilton/Flamborough region is located at:

Ellen Fairclough Building
119 King St West, 8th Floor
Hamilton     L8P 4Y7
p.905-521-7764

For Brantford and region:

505 Park Road North, Suite 201
Brantford     N3R 7K8
p.519-756-5197