Education · 1 of 4

The path

A 5-year apprenticeship in Ontario, about 4 years in most other provinces.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Grade 12 with math. Geometry matters more here than in any other construction trade. OYAP (Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program) lets Ontario students start in high school.

2. 2

   Find a sponsor

   Weeks to months

   A sheet metal or mechanical contractor, or apply to a union local such as SMART (Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers) Local 30 in Toronto.

3. 3

   Register the apprenticeship

   Days

   With Skilled Trades Ontario, or your provincial trades authority. In Ontario you must be registered to legally work in the trade.

4. 4

   Work and study

   5 years in Ontario

   9,000 hours in Ontario: 8,280 on the job plus 720 in school, taken as three college or training-centre blocks of about 8 weeks. Pattern layout, fabrication, welding, installation and reading mechanical drawings.

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.