NOTE:
Prospective Trades/Apprentices
You become an apprentice by finding an employer to sponsor you & registering the apprenticeship with the ITA. If you are in high school you can also start your apprenticeship through a youth (ACE-IT) program. Also consider a foundation program as a means of gaining Level 1 experience for most trades (and entering the workplace).
 |
What is Apprenticeship Training?
Apprenticeship training is a form of post-secondary education that combines paid, work-based training (about 80% of training), with technical training in a classroom or shop setting (about 20% of training). Successful completion of both components, along with examinations, is required to earn a certificate or ticket, and become a certified tradesperson. In school technical training typically ranges from 4 to 10 weeks per year depending on the trade and takes approximately four years on average to complete.
Getting started with your Apprenticeship Training
There are several routes into apprenticeship training, including:
- Direct entry with an employer to sponsor you
- Pre-apprenticeship Foundation program at a college of your choice. Click here for more information.
- Applying for credit for prior training or experience, which may enable you to complete your certification requirements in less time
- Secondary school apprenticeship programs
To find Apprenticeship training programs available at BC's public post-secondary institutions in your chosen trade, click here.