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.