Different Pathways to an Apprenticeship

There are a number of potential streams from which an apprenticeship can begin. Many young apprentices are working toward or have completed their high school diploma.

1) All school boards across Ontario offer Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), a Ministry of Education approved specialized program that allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector while meeting the requirements to graduate from secondary school. It also assists in their transition after graduation to apprenticeship training, college, university or the workplace. This program will allow students to:

- Identify, explore and refine career goals
- Gain sector-recognized certification and career-relevant training
- Develop essential skills and work habits
- Receive formal recognition on Ontario Student Transcript
- For more information: https://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/studentsuccess/pathways/shsm/shsm_fact_sheet.pdf

2) The Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) is a school to work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through a cooperative education program. Students have an opportunity to become registered apprentices and work towards becoming certified journeypersons in a skilled trade. Upon graduation, OYAP students may choose to continue their full time employment with their high school coop employer or may choose post-secondary education. Benefits of this program include:

- $40 apprenticeship registration fee waived
- Start skilled trade training while completing an Ontario Secondary School Diploma
- Effective school to work transition by direct entry into apprenticeship training
- Opportunity to complete their Level 1 Apprenticeship in selected skilled trades
- For more information: https://www.oyap.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=content&PageID=9&PageCategory=8&SchoolBoardID=100

3) Grade 12 Graduates, summer students or casual employees may or may not have had the opportunity to participate in their high school’s Specialist High Skills Major or Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program. Regardless, an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent is required to begin an apprenticeship program. Individuals in this category:

- May or may not have trade exposure or experience
- May require prior learning assessment and recognition (PLAR)
- After securing an Apprentice Sponsor, begin a traditional apprenticeship program or enroll in a post secondary apprenticeship training program

4) Second Career programs provide laid-off workers with skills training to help them find jobs in high-demand occupations such as skilled trades in Ontario. Financial support is provided by the provincial government as a cost-sharing grant on as needed basis.

- May be asked to contribute what you can to your training or education
- Support can include tuition, books, transportation, basic living allowance
- For more information https://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/secondcareer/whatitis.html

Many colleges offer Pre-Apprenticeship Training programs funded by the Government of Ontario. These full time programs in designated skilled trades are designed for participants interested in securing apprenticeships. Program offerings are subject to MTCU approval and labour market demand.

- Basic Level 1 apprenticeship training
- Academic upgrading and pre-apprenticeship trades-specific training
- Mandatory on-the-job work experience component

5) College Technician Training offers a sixteen month program (4 semesters) at numerous colleges across the province.

- Trade-specific training
- Credit for all three levels of trade school when registered as an apprentice
- College Technician Diploma

6) College Co-op Diploma Apprenticeship Training (CODA) offers a thirty-two month program at numerous colleges across the province. Students typically enrol in the Technician Training program and are offered an opportunity to transfer into the CODA program after the first semester.

- Trade-specific training
- Credit for all three levels of trade school when registered as an apprentice
- Exposure to potential full time employers
- 16 months paid work experience
- College Technician Diploma
- College Coop Apprenticeship Diploma
- Graduates are recognized as an Intermediate Level 2 Apprentice

Source: https://www.hstac.ca/apprenticeship.html