Education · 1 of 5
The path
A paid apprenticeship in a shop, plus college blocks.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12. Woodworking, math and design classes help. Ontario students can start early through OYAP (the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program).
- 2
Find a sponsor
Weeks to months
A cabinet shop, millwork factory or furniture maker willing to register you. A one-year college woodworking program makes this much easier.
- 3
Register the apprenticeship
Days
With your provincial trades authority: Skilled Trades Ontario, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, or SkilledTradesBC.
- 4
Work and study
About 4 years
About 8,000 hours in Ontario: 7,280 in the shop plus 720 hours in class, usually three blocks at a college. Other provinces set their own hours.
- 5
Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal
After your hours
Pass the provincial exam. Add the interprovincial Red Seal endorsement to work in any province.