Education · 1 of 4

The path

A four-year apprenticeship, one of the longer construction trades.

  1. 1

    High school diploma

    Grade 12

    Grade 12 with math and shop. Some provinces let you start through a high school apprenticeship program.

  2. 2

    Find a sponsor

    Weeks to months

    A glass and glazing contractor, a window manufacturer or the union hall. Shop helper is a common first job.

  3. 3

    Register the apprenticeship

    Days

    With Skilled Trades Ontario (where the trade is called Architectural Glass and Metal Technician), Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, or your province's trades body.

  4. 4

    Work and study

    4 years

    About 8,000 hours in Ontario: 7,280 on the job plus 720 hours in class, usually three levels of about 8 weeks at a college.

  5. 5

    Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal

    After your hours

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