Education · 1 of 4

The path

An apprenticeship, not a degree. About 80% on the job, 20% in class.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 with math and physics is ideal. Some provinces let you start earlier through a youth apprenticeship program.

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   An employer or union that will take you on as an apprentice. This is the hardest step. Pre-apprenticeship college programs help you get noticed.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

   With your provincial trades authority, for example Skilled Trades Ontario or Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.

4. 4

   Work and study

   4 to 5 years

   9,000 hours in Ontario (about 8,160 on the job plus 840 in class over three blocks). Other provinces run 4 periods of roughly 1,500 to 1,800 hours each.

5. 5

   Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

   After your hours

   Pass the provincial exam. Add the Red Seal endorsement to work in any province.