Ontario Apprenticeship
Switch Careers And Become An Electrician Apprentice

An apprenticeship is a way to learn a particular trade. Trades are usually always in demand, for example, you will enjoy job security as an electrician.

As an electrician apprentice, you will work as an employee while you learn the skills needed to perform your job.

An apprenticeship is much less expensive than traditional college and you may even be eligible for scholarships to help offset the cost.

The Ontario Apprenticeship Program is governed by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. They have several apprenticeship offices across the province where you can go to find more information and get help with your paperwork or help in finding an employer. Before you can begin electrician apprentice training, you must be hired by an employer willing to train you and who is vetted by the MTCU in Ontario.

You can find one of these employers by searching want ads, applying through a union or association, Job Bank or working with an Ontario apprenticeship office. When you find an employer, the two of you will enter into a legal contract that outlines the training you will receive along with your duties and the responsibilities of your employer. When the paperwork has been filed with the government, you are considered a registered electrician apprentice and can begin training.

While undergoing on-the-job training, you will receive a regulated salary commensurate with your skill level. Most of your training will be carried out this way over a period of four years. During each of the four years or levels of training, you will also be required to attend traditional classroom instruction. Your employer will give you time off from work for these classes and you must pay for them out of pocket.

The cost of the tuition will be about $400 per year or up to $2000 over the course of the apprenticeship training. In addition, there is a fee of $40 to register as an electrician apprentice, and a fee of $100 to take the final certification exam. You'll also incur other costs such as for supplies, books, and hand tools. The Ontario government has financial aid programs available to help you offset these costs.

There is an Ontario apprenticeship opportunity available for just about anyone who has a desire to become an electrician apprentice. You can start while still in high school or take college courses at the same time and work towards a degree. You can enter as a mature worker if you have been in the workforce for a while and want a new, more stable career. You can even become an electrician apprentice if you never completed high school thanks to special programs that are in place. If you are currently unemployed you may be eligible for additional help and financial assistance to help you learn a new trade and get back in the workforce.

You may also work your way up to an apprentice program by first enrolling in a pre-apprentice program. This will look good on your resume and may help you find an employer/sponsor sooner. There is no cost for a pre-apprentice program. These can last up to 40 weeks and provide you with some on the job experience as well as basic safety training and employment preparation. You can also use this pre-training to polish your science and math skills that will be needed as an electrician apprentice.

These classes are available through schools and organizations but you must be eligible to take them. They are primarily for the underemployed, unemployed, high school drop outs, and newcomers to Canada. Some programs are available to high school graduates and those seeking new careers. The requirements vary depending upon the organization providing the training.

However, training provided through an Ontario Apprenticeship Program is more structured and strictly enforced and followed by your employer and supervisor. Safety is of utmost importance while you are learning how to become an electrician apprentice. Not only is your safety important, but you must learn your new skills properly in order to protect the public and the buildings and equipment you work with every day.

An electrician apprentice is a good path to future job security and diversity. When your Ontario apprenticeship classes are complete, and you pass the final exam, you will earn a certificate from the MTCU that will enable you to work in every province in Canada so you will have a lot of flexibility in your future job searches.