Apprenticeship Programs

In this section:

• Apprenticeship: How it works
• On-the-job Training
• In-class (Technical) Training
• Choosing an Automotive Trade
• Starting Your Apprenticeship
• Apprentice Pathway Options

Apprenticeship: How it works

Apprenticeship is a training program that combines on-the-job training with in-school training designed to provide an individual with the skills necessary to be competent in a trade. Generally, most apprenticeships consists of 80% to 85% work-based training with the other 15% - 20% devoted to classroom or shop technical training. To become an apprentice, an individual must be employed by an employer who is willing to sponsor him or her. Please see On-the-Job Training for more information on the roll of the Employer. Most apprenticeships require four years to complete, however, under varying circumstances, apprenticeships can take from one to five years to completion.

An apprentice must successfully complete both the in-class and work-based training, including examinations, to become a certified tradesperson.

Some trades in British Columbia have nationally accepted certification. These are called, "Red Seal Trades" and this certification is recognized across the country. Click on Red Seal for more information on this program.

On-the-job Training

On-the-job, or work-based training, is that training that is attained while working in a shop. Not only must the apprentice be registered as an apprentice, but the employer has to be registered as a sponsor. Part of the responsibility of the employer is to ensure that the apprentice is exposed to as many aspects of the trade as possible and that he or she is supervised by a well-qualified individual. The employer is also responsible for "signing off" on the number of hours an apprentice has accumulated on-the-job.

It is the responsibility of an apprentice to secure a position with an employer who is willing to support their training by becoming their sponsor. Click here for help with your job search. Career Planning

In-class (Technical) Training

Once an apprentice has completed a specified number of hours in the shop (as attested to by their sponsor/employer), they are ready to do the in-class theoretical training. Usually the technical training requires that an apprentice spend four to eight weeks in a classroom per year, depending upon the particular program requirements. There are specific subjects that are studied in each level, and apprentices will be required to take an examination at the end of each level. Learn more...

Choosing an Automotive Trade

There are many different trades within the Automotive Industry. For more information on the various automotive trades, click on the links provided. All the requirements and program details are outlined in the Program Profile. Learn more...

Starting Your Apprenticeship

Once you have chosen a trade, the next step is to find an employer who will agree to sponsor you. See On-the-Job Training above for more information on the role of the employer and help in finding a suitable employer to sponsor an apprenticeship in your chosen trade.

Having chosen a trade and having found an appropriate employer, the next step is to register as an apprentice and have your employer registered as a sponsor. Click here for the Apprentice and Sponsor Registration form that must be completed by both parties. The form should be printed, completed and submitted to the ITA Customer Service department (at the address shown on the form), where any questions you may have regarding registration and program requirements can be answered.

To speak to an ITA Customer Service representative, please call:

778-328-8700 or Toll free at: 1-866-660-6011

Apprentice Pathway Options

An apprenticeship is a form of job training that combines in-class training with training on-the-job. An apprentice works under the supervision of a person skilled (Journeyperson) in the job they wish to learn. The Journeyperson teaches them how to do the work while on-the-job. As part of all apprenticeships, there is also an in-school educational component.

Getting into and completing an apprenticeship can be done two different ways:

A. Direct Entry
This is the traditional approach to becoming an apprentice where you find an employer/sponsor willing to teach you the trade and then contact the ITA (Industry Training Authority) to officially register as an apprentice to start calculating and logging your Work Based Hours before going to technical training.

B. Foundation
If you are not currently registered as an apprentice, enrolling into an ACE-IT or Foundation program will help you accumulate Level 1 apprenticeship in-school technical training along with Work Based Hour credits. This will help you prepare to find an employer to take you on as an apprentice.

Click here for an Apprentice Pathway Flowchart.

Upon successful completion of either apprenticeship path, he or she will earn a Certificate of Qualification/Journeyperson Certificate or Red Seal depending on the Trade.

Click on Apprentice/Trainee Guide for more helpful information for apprentices.