Education · 1 of 4
The path
A paid apprenticeship: mostly on the job, with short college blocks.
- 1
High school diploma
Grade 12
Grade 12. Art, math and shop classes help. Ontario students can start early through OYAP (the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program).
- 2
Find a sponsor
Weeks to months
A painting contractor, a condo builder or a union hiring hall that will register you as an apprentice.
- 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 3 years
About 6,000 hours in Ontario: 5,280 on the job plus 720 hours in class, usually three blocks of about 8 weeks at a college.
- 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.