Education · 1 of 4
The path
An apprenticeship. Most of your training is in the shop, paid.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Math, shop and drafting. Some provinces let you start through a youth apprenticeship program.
- 2
Find a sponsor
Weeks to months
A fabrication shop, shipyard or union that takes you on. A pre-apprenticeship or welding certificate helps you get noticed.
- 3
Register the apprenticeship
Days
With your provincial trades authority, such as Skilled Trades Ontario or Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
- 4
Work and study
3 to 4 years
In Ontario, 5,400 hours: 4,680 on the job and 720 in school over three levels. Other provinces run similar three-level programs.
- 5
Certificate of Qualification and Red Seal
After your hours
Pass the provincial exam. The Red Seal exam has 130 questions and is recognized in nine provinces and territories.