Education · 1 of 4

The path

A Red Seal apprenticeship, about 3.5 years in Ontario. College first is common on the Prairies.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Shop, math, physics. Growing up around farm equipment is a real advantage, but not required.

2. 2

   Optional college certificate

   1 year

   Saskatchewan Polytechnic runs a 35-week Agricultural Equipment Technician certificate that counts toward apprenticeship and includes dealership work experience.

3. 3

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks

   Farm equipment dealerships are actively recruiting. Many hire apprentices straight out of high school or the college program.

4. 4

   Work and study

   3 to 4 years

   Ontario (trade code 425A): 7,000 hours, 6,280 on the job plus 720 in school. Other provinces run 4 periods of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 hours.

5. 5

   Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

   After your hours

   Pass the exam. The Red Seal lets you work in any province.