Apprenticeship is an opportunity to:
  Earn while you learn
Be in demand
Earn above average income
Be your own boss
How We Can Help:
We can help with a plan to approach employers who hire in the skilled trades. Meet with one of our counsellors to discuss options for you!
Our on-the-job training program could help get you started in your trade. Hiring incentives for employers could reimburse part of an apprentice’s wages.
Visit our Resource Centre for more information on apprenticeships.
The facts
Current trends suggest that Ontario, like the rest of Canada, will be facing a critical shortage of skilled tradespeople in the years ahead. According to a report by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, more than half of the province's skilled labour force is expected to retire within the next 15 years. Meanwhile, there aren't enough qualified candidates to fill the void, which means Canada could be short one million workers by the year 2020.
The skilled trades are incredibly diverse. There are over 140 government approved apprenticeship programs in such sectors as industry, construction, automotive and service.
Tradespersons, both men and women, work hard and earn more than you may think - for instance, brick masons average $46,000 a year. Some brick masons make over $100,000 a year. Many tradespersons work in their fields for a few years and then go on to open their own businesses.
Tradespersons have ability and knowledge, and once they’re certified – practical experience that allows them to take on some of the most essential skills in our society. Trades require the brightest and best candidates.
Choosing a skilled trade and apprenticeship is an excellent post-secondary education option. As a tradesperson, you can see the direct results of your work and you can see how it adds to the quality of lives within Canada. Skilled trades touch every part of our lives, from our roads, to our homes, to our hospitals, to our schools - the list goes on.
The Ontario government provides several supports
that may help you
Apprenticeship Scholarship:
You may be eligible for a $1,000 Apprenticeship Scholarship and your employer may be eligible for a signing-bonus of $2,000.
| Offered by Job Connect, this initiative is intended to support apprenticeship training and employment for youth (24 years of age or less) who have left school early and require academic upgrading to meet the minimum academic entry requirements to register as apprentices in an apprenticeship program. |
For information on how you can apply come in and see an employment counsellor.
Apprenticeship training tax credit
The tax credit provides businesses with up to $5,000 per year over the first 36 months of apprenticeship training in eligible fields ($15,000 maximum).
 For more information visit:
Employment Ontario Services for apprentices
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program
Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Program
Pre-Apprenticeship Training
Loans for Tools
Information on federal apprenticeship incentives
Dig deeper… check out these links!
A list of skilled trades, plus the aptitudes, skills and education required for each one
Apprenticeship facts
Myths and realities about skilled trade careers
Made with the trades
Are you new to Ontario? Do you want to work in your profession or trade?
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