Apprenticeships 101 - learn how to get into the trades

BY MARIA TZAVARAS

Each year, thousands of Ontario students embark on a post-secondary education. However, mainstream careers aren't for everyone and a career in a skilled trade is a great option for those who aren't keen on continuing their education in the classroom.

"If a student is very practically based than apprenticeship training may be the best opportunity for them," said Diane Gooch, manager of recruitment at Centennial College in Scarborough.
There are about 140 apprenticeship careers in Ontario in four sectors: construction; industrial manufacturing; motive power or transportation; and service. Gooch said the benefits of choosing an apprenticeship is that it's a paying job and classroom time is minimal.

"For a lot of people, the classroom may not be the best setting for them. To be working for four days a week and going to college for one maybe more motivating, they work better that way," she said.

Gooch said there are a few different ways to become part of a trade.
One option is that students must find an employer on their own and then register with the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Apprenticeship adjustment branch (416-326-5800). From there, the ministry helps the student find a college placement.

"Students actually do on-the-job training before they come to college," Gooch said. "They have to work with an employer first and then the ministry will arrange for them to go to college to get more of the theory and some of the experience they won't get in the workplace."

However, the down side is that many students do not have enough experience to find an opportunity with an employer and, "for an employer to pay somebody they have to have some sort of skill to offer," she said.

To gain experience, Gooch suggests a co-op such as the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship program (OYAP), which many high schools offer.

"So an employer knows they are fairly good because they have been doing it for the past year ... and they're willing to take them on as an apprentice," she said.

But for those who don't have experience, another option is taking a two-year college program to obtain the needed skills. However, doing it this way means students won't be paid.

A few years ago, the ministry introduced the co-op diploma apprenticeship program, which combines a college diploma program and apprenticeship training leading to a certificate of qualification.

"For example, at Centennial we offer automotive service, heavy-duty equipment ... so the students will do two semesters in the classroom, then spend eight months with an employer for which they get paid and then two semesters back in the classroom and end up with a diploma," she said.

Gooch said often employers hire students when they're finished. However, while being paid is guaranteed, the placement being nearby or being hired on is not.
"However, if you come and do our full-time, two-year program ... our employment centre will help you locate an opportunity," she said.

Like any career path, finding an apprenticeship isn't without its obstacles and Judith Andrews knows about many of them.

Andrews is the vice-president, Ontario, of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), which provides a voice for its 105,000 members, 42,000 of whom live in Ontario. Andrews stays on top of the issues facing small- and medium-sized businesses through regular surveys. They also lobby at the federal, provincial and local levels of government.
Andrews said there are some issues surrounding Ontario trades that are affecting people who are trying to find apprenticeship training as well as employers who are seeking apprentices.