Education · 1 of 5

The path

A 4-year apprenticeship. About 90% on the job, 10% in class.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 with math, physics and auto shop. In Ontario you can start early through OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program). Alberta has RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program).

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   A shop or dealership willing to register you as an apprentice. Start as a lube tech or tire installer and ask. A pre-apprenticeship college program helps you get noticed.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

   With Skilled Trades Ontario (trade code 310S), Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, SkilledTradesBC or your province's authority.

4. 4

   Work and study

   4 years

   Ontario requires 7,220 hours: 6,500 on the job plus 720 in school, taken as three 8-week blocks at a college.

5. 5

   Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

   After your hours

   Pass the provincial exam. In most provinces the same exam earns the Red Seal endorsement, valid across Canada.