Education · 1 of 4

The path

One of the shortest apprenticeships in construction.

  1. 1

    High school diploma

    Grade 12

    Grade 12 helps but some employers will take you without it. Math and shop are useful.

  2. 2

    Find a sponsor

    Weeks

    A roofing contractor or the union hall. Showing up as a labourer for a season is the usual way in.

  3. 3

    Register the apprenticeship

    Days

    With Skilled Trades Ontario, Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training, or your province's trades body.

  4. 4

    Work and study

    2 to 3 years

    About 4,000 hours in Ontario: roughly 3,500 on the job plus two in-school levels of about 6 weeks at a college or union training centre.

  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.