The need for skilled trades people in Canada is at an all time high. Nationwide we are experiencing a shortage of workers in the skilled trades due to the aging and retirement of current workers and the lack of younger workers entering the trades.
Apprenticeship is hands-on training for people who enjoy learning by doing. The training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skills, judgement and creativity. Apprentices are paid while gaining work experience, and their wages increase with their level of skills.
About 90 per cent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers or sponsors who provide training to standards of skill and safety set by industry. The remainder involves classroom instruction on theory, which is usually given at a local community college or provided by another approved training organization.
To become an apprentice, you must find an employer who is willing to train. Such jobs are rarely advertised, and, instead, employers often rely on word of mouth to attract applicants. People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to an employer, union, or local apprenticing agency.
After being hired, many apprentices will, because of their skills, be asked to train new apprentices, or will find opportunities to manage operations, start their own businesses, or use their experience as a base for technological or engineering studies at a college or university.
The Province of Ontario’s Employment Services Program provides assistance to employers who are interested in hiring and apprenticing workers.
The Apprenticeship Scholarship of $1,000 supports
individuals who require upgrading to meet the academic eligibility requirements for apprenticeship training in their chosen trade. The apprenticeship scholarships are awarded to participants through 2 payments. Initial $500 is awarded when the individual is registered for upgrading and a final $500 when the individual has
successfully completed upgrading, is employed and is registered as an apprentice.
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