What is Apprenticeship?
  • Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job and technical training where skilled trades professionals (certified journeypersons) pass on knowledge and skills to learners (apprentices).
  • Apprenticeship begins with an agreement between an apprentice and an employer.  The apprentice agrees to work for the employer in exchange for supervised, on-the-job training and experience.  The apprentice learns the practical skills of the trade as well as earning the needed hours to participate in the technical training (classes - block training) through a community college.
Pathways to become an apprentice:
Direct Entry
  • Obtain employment with a company that can offer supervised on-the-job training with a certified journeyperson and register as an apprenticeship.
  • Working under the journeyperson, apprentices 1) learn while working on the job 2) obtain the required hours for the block training. and 3) earn wages while working towards certification.
OR
Pre-Employment
  • Complete a pre-employment 1-yr program and pass the Block One exam.
  • Then find employment in the trade and enter into an apprenticeship agreement with that employer through an apprenticeship.
OR
In New Brunswick there is a:
Pre-Apprenticeship Program
  • High School Students are able to transfer their previous work experience and courses if they register as pre-apprentices through:
    • Coop/Career Exploration
    • Summer employment
    • NB Teen Apprenticeship Program
*Although the pathway name may vary slightly from province to province, the three Maritime colleges: NBCC, NCSS and Holland College partner with their provincial Apprenticeship Agency to support individuals who want to pursue a career in skilled trades.
 
How to become a journeyperson:
  • Complete the required number of blocks and work the required number of hours for the trade.
  • Write the provincial or Red Seal certification exam.
*The Interprovincial RED SEAL designation is a recognized standard across Canada and one that most employers will look for as an indication of skills and competency.