Education · 1 of 4

The path

A 3 to 4 year paid apprenticeship, much of it through the union.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12. Math and shop classes help. Ontario students can start early through OYAP (the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program).

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   An insulation contractor or a union local. The Heat and Frost Insulators union takes apprentice applications directly in most big cities.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

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

4. 4

   Work and study

   3 to 4 years

   About 6,400 hours in Ontario: 5,770 on the job plus 630 hours in class, at a college or the union training centre. Other provinces set their own hours.

5. 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.