Education · 1 of 4

The path

An apprenticeship, shorter than most trades, plus an optional gas ticket.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Math, physics and a shop or electronics class. A driver's licence is essential.

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   Appliance service companies, retailers and manufacturer service divisions take on apprentices. Many hire helpers first and register them later.

3. 3

   Register and train

   About 3 years

   In Ontario, Appliance Service Technician (445A) is 6,000 hours: 5,280 on the job and 720 in school over three levels. Other provinces run similar programs.

4. 4

   Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

   After your hours

   Pass the provincial exam and add the Red Seal endorsement, recognized in nine provinces and territories.

5. 5

   Optional gas certificate

   6 months to 2 years

   In Ontario, a TSSA (Technical Standards and Safety Authority) gas technician certificate, G3 first and then G2, lets you work on gas appliances. Other provinces have their own gas tickets.