Frequently Asked
QUESTIONS
MLTSD: provides administrative and program support and offers end-to-end guidance for apprenticeship clients from registration to completion. Any questions about how to get started as an apprentice, or any support needed to continue or complete the apprenticeship program can be directed to the local MLTSD office. If you are a part of the sponsor group, Support Ontario Youth will assist you.
OCOT: regulates the trades and sets the policies and standards for the apprenticeship program. Any questions about training requirements or about the trade, contact OCOT. If you are a part of the sponsor group, Support Ontario Youth will assist you.
Employment Ontario is a network of service providers that can help you get training, skills and experience needed for your chosen field. Employment Ontario Service Providers offer apprenticeship candidates incentives to employers, literacy improvement, academic upgrading and career and labour market information. If you are part of the group sponsor, Support Ontario Youth will assist you in finding a service provider in your area.
Once you have signed a new registered training agreement (RTA) with your new sponsor, your Employment and Training Consultant (ETC), through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD), will cancel the old training agreement and activate your new one. You cannot work in your trade unless you have an active RTA.
If you are changing employers to be able to participate in Support Ontario Youth, are already part of SOY, we will assist you in this process.
Schooling is scheduled when the registered training agreement (RTA) is registered, usually after the first year of on-the-job training. You will select your schooling preference (location and colleges) and will be entered into queue. An “offer-of-class” is sent out as seats become available. It is important that the employer and apprentice accept the offer for schooling for the apprentice to continue to move progressively in their apprenticeship.
Apprentices can be exempt from levels of schooling based on previous education. Exemptions are examined on a case-by-case basis and the type of trade and the courses taken will factor into the decision. Apprentices may also take exemption tests which, if successfully passed, exempt the apprentices from a level of schooling.
Apprenticeship begins with employment. Most employers will want to work with a potential apprentice before registering them.
They are looking for candidates that have the following transferable skills and traits:
• Positive Attitude
• Aptitude for their specific trade
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn
• Good work ethic and accountability
• Good communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• And most of all, punctual with regular attendance
Once an employer has decided to sponsor an apprentice, the apprentice candidate would complete an online application (https://www.eoss.tcu.gov.on.ca/AOL/training/prerequirements) through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
The Ministry will review the application contact the apprentice candidate to set up a meeting between the apprentice, employer and an MLTSD representative. Once a confirmation number as an apprentice is received, it is up to THE APPRENTICE to register at the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).
Once registered, the apprentice will receive their Apprenticeship Training Standard (aka Logbook, which is the foundation for their training and education) and will work with their registered employer as an apprentice to facilitate their training and education.
Having experience may help land an employer or sponsor. At the very least, it helps assess whether the trade you have is the right fit, but it’s not necessary. Many apprentices start with little to no experience. Being successful in this industry is foundationally set in the transferable skills and traits as outlined in "How do I register as an apprentice?"
Keep in mind, there are pre-apprentice programs available to give the candidate an even stronger foundation and knowledge of the trade, in turn, looking more attractive as an apprentice candidate to employers.
There are pre-apprentice programs at public colleges, and OYAP can count as credit towards the overall apprenticeship program. These programs are assessed by an MLTSD representative on a case-by-case basis to see if they can be counted as hours towards the apprenticeship. If you are an apprentice with Support Ontario Youth, we will assist in determining if the credits can be put towards your apprenticeship.
Short answer is no; however, most employers want to see that diploma.
If you are an adult (mature student) and don’t have your diploma, you can try to attain a General Education Development (GED). With that said, you only need grade 10 to apply for an apprenticeship, an OSSD is not a requirement through the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
Make sure you do your research and explore all your options. Talk to people already doing the job. Ask them what you could do to help prepare yourself. Are there courses you could take? Volunteer work you could do?
Experience and skills gained either through employment or as a hobby also help show prospective employers your capabilities and interest in the apprenticeship.
Ensure your resume is up to date and your interview skills are polished.
If you’re still in high school, important courses include English, mathematics, and science. Shop or technology courses are helpful, as are co-op placements such as OYAP.
Learn about the apprenticeship pathway of learning. How long would it be? Do I need a vehicle for work? Be prepared for 3-5 years of learning and listening to your employer to build the knowledge and skills necessary to write the Certification of Qualification exam.
First, you want to understand the apprenticeship model of learning. It is a big decision and can take up to five years to complete. It is important to understand how you learn and if the apprenticeship style fits that learning. You can start an apprenticeship at age 16 and do not need to have completed high school, but at the same time you may require a clean G driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
Apprenticeship learning requires that you already have a good work ethic. The apprenticeship pathway not only provides you with a career but will give you valuable skills. There are no restrictions to career advancement and “earning while you learn” usually means graduating with little to no debt when you finish your apprenticeship.
This Employment Ontario Program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
