Why Become an Apprentice?
As an apprentice, you learn a trade on-the-job while also earning a salary, which may increase as you progress and complete your training. Plus, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance benefits during in-school training, and registered apprentices receive free tuition and books.
Pathways to Apprenticeship
- Entry-Level Training (Pre-Employment Program): Offered by post-secondary training institutions and provides initial knowledge of the trade. This training usually lasts about 9 months in most trades.
- An entry-level or pre-employment student is NOT YET AN APPRENTICE, however, may receive Level 1 credit and exam exemption upon registration as an apprentice.
- No Previous Training (Direct Entry): The Direct Entry pathway may be for you if:
- You are currently working in a trade but have no previous post-secondary training in the trade; or
- You are interested in working in a trade but have no previous post-secondary training or work experience in the trade.
If you are interested in registering as an apprentice through the Pre-Employment or Direct Entry pathways, YOU WILL NEED A JOB IN THE TRADE with a journeyperson to mentor and supervise your training. For more information, contact an Apprenticeship Program Officer.
How to Register as an Apprentice
STEP 1 – Find an Employer: Get a job with an employer who has a certified journeyperson in your trade. This journeyperson will be your mentor and directly supervise your training on-the-job. To get credit for your hours and skills, you must be assigned to a certified journeyperson. Please Note: Your employer may be eligible for the Apprenticeship Wage Subsidy.
STEP 2 – Submit an Apprenticeship Application with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or Letter of Understanding (LOU): Complete the Application for Apprenticeship (linked below) and make sure both you and your employer sign the attached MOU or LOU. The MOU/LOU is a written agreement under which you agree to learn a trade based on the on-the-job training provided by your employer as outlined in a Plan of Training. You will only receive credit for hours and skills with a submitted MOU or LOU. You must sign this agreement with your employer at the start of any new employment.
- For Newfoundland and Labrador employment: Use the MOU application here.
- For employment in other Canadian jurisdictions: Use the LOU application here.
As part of your application and MOU/LOU, be sure to include your official transcript (from a pre-employment program or high school).
STEP 3 – Get Your Registration Card and Logbook: Once your application is approved, you will become a registered apprentice. You will receive a notification of acceptance, along with a registration card and an official logbook.
STEP 4 – Complete In-School Training: After registering, you will be able to attend apprenticeship training once you log the required hours for each Level of your trade (check the progression schedule for trades).
- If you completed an approved Pre-Employment Program under the current or previous two Plans of Training, you will receive credit for Level 1 and move to Level 2 training.
- If you registered as an apprentice through Direct Entry, you will begin with Level 1 training.
| USEFUL LINKS FOR APPRENTICES |
| Pathways to Certification |
| Who is a Journeyperson? |
| Red Seal Program |
| Conditions Governing Apprenticeship Training |
| Virtual Learning Strategist (VLS) Program |
| Learn about workplace health and safety at WorkplaceNL |