Indigenous Discover your potential with SLC’s Apprenticeship Programs. Get ready for a rewarding career using real-world skills that employers are actively seeking and learn from experienced instructors. Whether you're starting a new journey in a high-demand skilled trade or want to elevate your existing skills, our apprenticeship programs have you covered.
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
An apprenticeship is a pathway to a rewarding career in skilled trades. As an apprentice, you attend classes and learn your trade by working under the guidance of experienced professionals, all while earning a wage.
In Ontario, all apprenticeships are managed by Skilled Trades Ontario with funding from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. St. Lawrence College, as a Training Delivery Agent (TDA) in Eastern Ontario, offers training in 14 different trades.
St. Lawrence College partners with employers to provide classroom training in both Block and Day release formats. Apprentices and their sponsoring companies can choose their preferred training pathway and delivery agent.
Every apprenticeship in Ontario begins with employment and a registered training agreement between the Ministry, the employer, and the apprentice. If you are unable to secure employment as an apprentice, you can pursue equivalent training through St. Lawrence College’s accredited post-secondary programs. These programs are certified to deliver classroom training equivalent to that of the apprenticeship programs.
What to Expect
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Superior In-Class Facilities: All of St. Lawrence’s apprenticeship programs are conducted in advanced learning environments equipped with the latest industry-standard equipment. As an apprentice, you'll apply classroom theory using machinery and tools similar to those you'll encounter in the workplace.
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First-Class Instructors: You'll benefit from valuable interactions with your instructors, all of whom are experienced journeypersons with many years in the industry. Our faculty members understand what it takes to succeed in the workplace and are adept at passing on that knowledge to the next generation of tradespeople.
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Skills Training: St. Lawrence’s apprenticeship training programs are renowned for their excellence and hands-on instruction. Completing your in-school Ministry requirements at St. Lawrence will prepare you for a rewarding career as a skilled tradesperson or journeyperson.
MORE ABOUT APPRENTICESHIPS
An apprentice is someone who learns a skilled trade on the job under the direction of a certified tradesperson. Apprentices also attend 'in-school’ training for two or three sessions, alternating with work.
Becoming an apprentice is an important first step toward acquiring new skills and building a rewarding career. One of the benefits of an apprenticeship is you can earn while you learn.
Apprenticeship programs can range from two to five years in length and during that time the apprentice receives wages based on their skills. The wages of an apprentice increase as they acquire skills and gain competency in their trade.
Apprentices generally complete three – four levels of in-school training during this period of time. Level 1- Basic, Level 2- Intermediate, and Level 3- Advanced. This is considered the Certificate of Apprenticeship (C of A).
Upon completion of the apprenticeship program, the apprentice is required to write a government exam in order to receive a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q). Once the apprentice receives a certificate, they are known as a journeyperson.
You must be employed in a trade to enter an apprenticeship program at St. Lawrence College. The college offers several post-secondary programs designed to help you prepare for employment as an apprentice.
- All apprentices must register and have an active Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) membership. To register or renew your membership, please visit Skilled Trades Ontario or call 1-855-299-0028.
- Students will be required to have both an Offer of Training from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and an active Skilled Trades Ontario membership to be registered.
To become an apprentice, you and your employer must register a Contract of Apprenticeship with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). Approximately one year after registering with MLITSD they will send you an Offer of Training to attend the basic level of the in-school component of your apprenticeship. Only then can you attend an apprenticeship program at the college.
- Make sure your employer has a qualified journeyperson on staff who can register and train you as an apprentice. Companies must adhere to specific ratios of journeypersons-to-apprentices. For example, a qualified journeyperson may not be able to register you as an apprentice if they are training other apprentices and/or the company has reached its maximum journeyperson-to-apprentice ratio.
Finding an employer
To become and apprentice, you must find an employer or sponsor who is willing to train you and engage in apprenticeship training. People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to an employer or union.
The St. Lawrence College Job Board and the Service Canada Job Bank are a great place to browse current apprenticeship programs and job opportunities.
To start school, apprentices must have the basic personal protective equipment (PPE) including a hard hat, safety glasses, and safety boots (steel toe with green patch). Most tools will be on loan for use at the training facility. A detailed list of tools can be obtained through your program coordinator or your employer, and will be necessary for on-the-job training. These items can cost approximately $500-600. As an exception tools are not supplied for Electrical programs. A kit can be purchased.
Trade-related experience and a general understanding of the trade are valuable assets. Strong math and communication skills are essential. Research your trade: Learn what you need to know for your trade by visiting Essential Skills for Ontario's Tradespeople.
To become and apprentice, you must find an employer or sponsor who is willing to train you and engage in apprenticeship training. People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to an employer or union.
The St. Lawrence College Job Board and the Service Canada Job Bank are a great place to browse current apprenticeship programs and job opportunities.
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Career Options
- Service Technician
- Brick and Stone Mason
- General Carpenter
- Line Cook
- Master Electrician
- Hairstylist
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) technician
- Plumber
- Welder
- And many more!