What is an Apprenticeship?

Summary

Apprenticeships offer a hands-on learning experience for individuals pursuing skilled trades such as carpentry, plumbing, and mechanics. Combining 80% on-the-job training with 20% classroom instruction, apprentices work under the guidance of mentors and progress through training levels over 2 to 4 years. After passing a certification exam, they become journey persons with good job prospects in industries like construction and manufacturing. Employers encourage young people to prepare by taking math, science, and safety courses, obtaining a high school diploma and driver's license, and gaining teamwork experience. Apprentices earn while they learn, with salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, and certified journey persons can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 annually.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apprenticeships provide an opportunity to learn skilled trades like electrician, plumber, carpenter, and mechanic in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, and service.
• 😀 Apprentices spend 80% of their time learning on the job from a mentor and 20% in school or training centers, accumulating hours to advance through levels over a 2 to 4-year period.
• 😀 After completing the apprenticeship, apprentices take a multiple-choice examination, and those who pass become fully certified journey persons.
• 😀 Employers are seeking apprentices in trades such as millwright, industrial mechanic, carpenter, and heavy-duty equipment mechanic.
• 😀 To prepare for an apprenticeship, students should take math and science courses, as these are essential for learning a trade.
• 😀 Employers recommend taking grade 11 and 12 math and science courses and utilizing tutors or online resources if needed.
• 😀 Joining a shop class, taking trades, and technology courses helps apply math and science concepts in practical ways.
• 😀 Employers typically require apprentices to have a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license.
• 😀 Safety courses like first aid are crucial for working safely on job sites and showing the ability to work on a team.
• 😀 Apprentices should demonstrate responsibility by attending school regularly, showing up on time, and engaging in part-time work or volunteering.
• 😀 Apprentices are paid wages while they learn, with salaries ranging from $25,000 to $50,000, and journey persons can earn between $60,000 to $100,000 annually once certified.

Q & A

What is an apprenticeship?

An apprenticeship is a post-secondary learning option where individuals learn a skilled trade by working as an apprentice under a mentor, while also receiving formal education.

What percentage of an apprentice's learning is hands-on versus in a classroom or training center?

Apprentices spend 80% of their time learning on the job and 20% learning at school or a union training center.

How long does an apprenticeship typically last?

Apprenticeships generally last between 2 to 4 years, during which time apprentices accumulate hours and complete training levels.

What is required to become a fully certified journey person?

At the end of an apprenticeship, apprentices must pass a multiple-choice examination to become fully certified journey persons.

Why are employers looking for apprentices in the skilled trades?

Employers are looking for apprentices because many journey persons are retiring, and young people are needed to replace them in various skilled trades.

What trades are currently in high demand for apprentices?

Trades in high demand include millwrights, industrial mechanics, carpenters, and heavy-duty equipment mechanics.

What academic courses are recommended for individuals preparing for an apprenticeship?

It is recommended to take math and science courses, particularly in grades 11 and 12, as knowledge in these areas will help in learning a trade.

What additional activities can help prepare for an apprenticeship?

Engaging in activities like taking shop or trades technology classes, joining sports teams or clubs, and working on group projects can help prepare for an apprenticeship.

Why is a high school diploma important for an apprenticeship?

Most employers require apprentices to have a high school diploma to ensure they have a foundational education before beginning trade-specific learning.

What is the potential salary range for apprentices and journey persons?

Apprentices earn between $25,000 to $50,000 annually depending on the trade. Once fully certified, journey persons can earn between $60,000 and $100,000 per year.