EducationHOME / ACCREDITATION, CERTIFICATION AND QUALIFICATIONS / OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATIONS / APPRENTICESHIP / Apprentices Apprenticeship Apprenticeship is a method of learning the skills and knowledge necessary to become a skilled worker and a certified journey person. Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson and classroom training at a training establishment. About 80% of an apprentice's training takes place on-the-job. The other 20% involves technical training provided at, or through a post-secondary training establishment - usually at Holland College or an off-Island institute. The program can be demanding as highly rewarding. With motivation, hard work, and a willingness to meet the requirements for the successful completion of the program, both the apprentice and the employer can share in the benefits of this training. Depending on the trade, apprenticeship programs can last 1 to 4 years. From Day One, apprentices earn money for their time on the job. We call it earn while you learn! First year apprentices earn about half of a journey person's wage and the pay increases as the training progresses. By the fourth year, apprentices can earn up to 90% of journey person's wages. Upon successful completion of the specific training period and examinations, apprentices receive a Certificate of Qualification or an Apprenticeship Completion Certificate with a red seal affixed to both. Apprenticeship is a proven-industry based learning system that meets Prince Edward Island's high industry standards. What's in it for me? - The Apprentice.
You will be taught by experienced trades persons and take related classes for 1 to 4 years. Apprenticeship takes a dual approach combining on-the-job training and related classroom instruction. Apprenticeship allows you to earn money while you learn a skilled trade through affordable hands-on and classroom instruction. Apprenticeship training is flexible. It can fit different schedules and is available across the province. Apprentices are women or men, either newly entering the workforce, looking to upgrade their skills or change careers. They are motivated to tackle a long term training program like the commitment required to attend college or university. To further investigate various employers, businesses, and organizations in the Prince Edward Island trades industry, you may start your search in the Island Telecom Directory. How Old Can I Be to Enter The Apprenticeship Program? The program accepts people of all ages. You can enter apprenticeship during high school or any time after. Most first-time apprentices are in their late-teens, twenty's, or thirties. Some first-year apprentices are in their 40's and 50s. Age does not matter to:
What Education Do You Need to Enter The Apprenticeship Program? The education you need to enter the apprenticeship program:
Most employers prefer to hire individuals with a Grade 12 education. The more education you have the better your chances are of being hired and succeeding in your trade. How Do I Start? Look through the list of apprentice able trades and narrow your choices you feel are interesting to pursue. Gather information about trades that interest you from school counselors, your local HRDC Center, Holland College, a regional Co-operative Development Center, the United Brotherhood of Carpenters Local Union 1338, Women's Network PEI, your local Aboriginal Board Council, local community learning centers, or your nearest Prince Edward Island Apprenticeship Office. Talk to employers, people working in the trades, friends, family members, or school counselors who may influence you to pursue a career in the trades. Maybe employers will let you see what really goes on in the trades industry. Find an employer. In Prince Edward Island, there is a high demand of employers waiting to hire and train apprentices. As more trades people are retiring or ready to retire, more jobs will become available in all designated careers in the trades industry. For all us, finding employment can sometimes be difficult and you may have to visit several businesses before finding a suitable employer. Once you have an employer, contact your nearest Prince Edward Island Apprenticeship Office, or visit our "forms" section of this website for an apprenticeship application. You and your employer complete it, and you return the application to our office. Sign an apprenticeship contract. The apprenticeship contract is a legal agreement between you and your employer, and is registered by the Prince Edward Island government. This means you are responsible for attending classes and completing your on-the-job-training. Your employer is responsible for giving you the training you need to learn the trade and for paying you 50% to 90% of the journey person's wage rate depending on where you are in your training. To move from one year of apprenticeship to the next, and to receive a wage increase, you need to:
How Much Does it Cost? Presently there are no tuitions fees required for training. Based on need, student grants and loans, may be available to apprentices while attending technical training. Most apprentices graduate as certified journey persons completely free of student debt. During post-secondary educational training you may be eligible for employment insurance benefits from the Government of Canada. For more information, please feel free to contact your nearest Prince Edward Island Apprenticeship Office. Apprentices are responsible for:
The Apprenticeship section is within the Public Education branch of the Department of Education, Government of PEI, Canada. | ||||||
Training in the trades places you in demand. Employers in Prince Edward Island are looking for highly skilled trades persons. A career in the trades can mean a promising future in a secure, challenging and rewarding occupation. You owe it to yourself to explore the possibilities. Careers in the trades are interesting and challenging. Workers who finish apprenticeship generally earn more than those who do not, and have greater opportunities for advancement.