Apprenticeship General Information
With an increasing number of retirements in the skilled trades, it is becoming even more important to support apprenticeships in Ontario.
Apprenticeship training provides access to well-paying jobs that demand a high level of skill, judgement and creativity.
Becoming an apprentice can be an important first step to learning new skills and building a rewarding career. Jobs in the skilled trades pay well, are interesting and challenging. Plus, you earn while you learn!
Apprentices become qualified tradespeople once they have acquired the knowledge and skills in a trade or occupation and are certified by a provincial or territorial authority. Registered apprentices complete on-the-job training as well as in-school training in preparation for certification. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development administers apprenticeship programs in Ontario.
On-the-job training is completed by apprentices through their employer (sponsor).
In-school (classroom) apprenticeship training is only available to registered apprentices through an approved Training Delivery Agent (TDA).
Sault College is an approved TDA for the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) for many apprenticeship programs in the industrial, construction, motive power and service sectors. Apprentices that complete their in-school training at Sault College are recognized with an Ontario College Certificate.
Sault College is one of the largest Training Delivery agents in Northern Ontario and delivers in-school training for registered apprentices in the following trades:
- Automotive Service Technician
- Construction & Maintenance Electrician
- Cook
- Hairstylist
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Industrial Electrician
- Ironworker
- General Machinist
- Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) blended delivery
- Parts Technician (online)
- Plumbing
- Steamfitter
- Truck & Coach Technician
- Utility Arborist
If you are a high school student, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) can help you start training to be an apprentice while completing high school. Please contact your OYAP Coordinator for more information.
Pre-apprenticeship programs provide opportunities to learn trade-related skills essential to becoming an apprentice. To learn more about Pre-Apprenticeship programs at Sault College, please contact the Sault College Continuing Education office at continuingeducation@saultcollege.ca. To register for a Pre-Apprenticeship Program please contact the Sault College Registrar’s Office at registrar@saultcollege.ca.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to enter into apprenticeship training. Entrance requirements for apprenticeship programs vary between Grade 10 and 12 depending on the trade, although you will find that most employers and unions require Grade 12 and a solid foundation in Mathematics, English and the Sciences.
Your apprenticeship consultant can provide you with the specific qualifications required for apprenticeship training in your chosen trade.
For more information on how you can pursue an apprenticeship contact Employment Ontario:
- Toll-free: 1-800-387-5656
- TTY (teletypewriter): 1-866-533-6339
- contactEO@ontario.ca
- skilledtradesontario.ca
Contact the local apprenticeship office in Sault Ste. Marie:
MLITSD – Employment Ontario
447 Queen Street East, 4th Floor
Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Z5
Telephone: (705) 945-6815
Toll-free: 1-800-236-8817
MLTSDSaultSteMarie@ontario.ca