Education · 1 of 5

The path

Two routes: get hired and learn on the wall, or do a paid apprenticeship and come out a certified journeyworker.

1. 1

   High school diploma or equivalent

   Grade 12

   Helpful but not always required. Shop class and a driver's license matter more.

2. 2

   Get hired as a helper

   Days to weeks

   Stocking board, cutting, cleaning up. Most contractors take people with no experience at all.

3. 3

   Learn to hang

   6 months to 2 years

   Measuring, cutting, screw patterns, ceilings, steel framing and fire rated assemblies. On the job, watching people who are quick.

4. 4

   Or take a registered apprenticeship

   3 to 4 years

   Three to four years through the carpenters union interior systems program or the painters and allied trades finisher program, paid from day one, classroom hours included.

5. 5

   Journeyworker, then lead

   Year 3 onward

   Running your own crew, reading drawings, estimating a job. Some go on to start a contracting business.