Program Requirements (for domestic students)
- To be eligible for an apprenticeship, you must:
- Be at least 18 years of age (16 years of age in limited cases)
- Have legal permission to work in Canada (i.e., have a valid social insurance number)
- Meet the educational requirements of the trade.
Grade 12 or equivalent is the generally accepted standard, however, grade 10 or equivalent may be accepted by some sponsors.
- Have a sponsor located in Ontario. This can be a private employer, association or union.
- Apply for an apprenticeship through Skilled Trades Ontario. This step is usually completed when you have received an offer of employment from a sponsor.
- After completing the apprenticeship application, a Registered Training Agreement will be drafted by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). The apprentice and their sponsor will both sign this document, officially recognizing the apprentice to begin the training process through their employer.
People who want to become apprentices must apply directly to employers, unions or joint apprenticeship training committees for the trade they are interested in. Most trades require between two and five years of work and training to become certified. During that time apprentices will be notified of offers to attend in-class training at the closest available training facility.
Apprentices are permitted to attend other training facilities within Ontario if they choose by making arrangements with their local Ministry office in advance
Program Requirements (for international students)
NOTE: This program is not currently available for international students.
To enroll in an apprenticeship program, international students must meet specific criteria, including possessing a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and securing a sponsor.
