An apprentice is a person who works in a trade and has a written agreement with an employer and the Apprenticeship and Trades Certification Division. An apprentice learns the knowledge, skills, tools and materials of the trade through on-the-job training under the supervision of a certified journeyperson of the same trade, and through in-school technical training.
Entry-Level Training (Pre-Employment Programs)
- offered by both public and private post-secondary training institutions;
- includes theoretical and practical knowledge in specific trades areas; and
- involves formal, classroom-based instruction lasting approximately 9 months (for most programs).
Entry-level or pre-employment students are NOT apprentices. Upon successful completion of a pre-employment program, graduates who find appropriate employment may become registered apprentices. An Apprenticeship Program Officer will review the pre-employment program completed and may credit some of the hours towards an apprenticeship.
Benefits of Apprenticeship:
Apprentices learn on the job while earning a salary from the employers who hire them. An apprentice’s salary may increase based on work progress and completion of the training required to advance to the next level. Increases may reach the salary rates of a certified journeyperson as they get closer to certification.
Lower student debt is another benefit of becoming an apprentice, since a registered apprentice may be eligible to receive employment insurance during in-school training. Support may also be provided for school related costs such as tuition and books.
Register to be an Apprentice:
- Become an apprentice while working in Newfoundland and Labrador
- Become an apprentice while working in another Canadian jurisdiction
Authorization to Release Apprenticeship/Certification Information to a Third Party
* Apprentices can learn about health and safety in the workplace, by visiting: WorkplaceNL