Apprenticeship programs
Learn by doing, and earn at the same time
An apprenticeship is a hands-on training program for people who want to work in a skilled trade and who enjoy learning by doing. Apprentices are workers, so they earn as they learn. About 90% of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by employers. The remainder involves classroom instruction on theory.
Cambrian College offers the in-school portion for a variety of apprenticeship programs sponsored by the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development.
Program offerings may include all levels of the following apprenticeships, and are run based on the Ministry of Labor’s request. Each year it is subject to change:
- Automotive Service Technician – 310S
- Electrician: Construction and Maintenance – 309A
- General Carpenter – 403A
- General Machinist Apprentice – 429A
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician – 421A
- Industrial Electrician – 442A
- Industrial Mechanic Millwright (Construction Industrial) Apprentice – 433A
- Metal Fabricator – 437A
Depending on the skilled trade you choose, the length of training will vary between two and five years. There are typically three levels to complete, and most levels consist of 240 hours. Please note that some apprenticeships are going to a 4 level model.
You can also get details about how to start an apprenticeship on the Ontario government website and by visiting Skilled Trades Ontario.
Program deliveries
Search
| Ministry Trade Code | Program Code | Program | Level | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 202505 | |||||
| 309A | EMAP01 | Construction Maintenance Electrician | 1 | 21-Apr-25 | 20-Jun-25 |
| 442A | ETAP02 | Construction Maintenance Electrician | 2 | 21-Apr-25 | 27-Jun-25 |
| 433A | MWAP01 | Industrial Mechanic Millwright | 2 | 28-Apr-25 | 20-Jun-25 |
| 433A | MWAP02 | Industrial Mechanic Millwright | 1 | 28-Apr-25 | 20-Jun-25 |
| Semester 202509 | |||||
| 433A | MWAP01 | Industrial Mechanic Millwright | 1 | 25-Aug-25 | 17-Oct-25 |
| 310S | MVAP02 | Automotive Service Technician | 2 | 08-Sep-25 | 31-Oct-25 |
| 310T | MTAC02 | Truck and Coach Technician | 2 | 08-Sep-25 | 31-Oct-25 |
| 456A | WEAP03 | Welder | 3 | 08-Sep-25 | 07-Nov-25 |
- …
Qualifications and requirements
- Most trades require completion of an OSSD or its equivalent.
- You must be a resident of Ontario and at least 16 years of age.
- You must be sponsored by an employer and registered with Skilled Trades Ontario.
Credits for academic and skill achievements
Apprentices who have previous work experience and education may be able to receive credits/exemptions which could reduce the duration of their apprenticeship. Otherwise individuals who wish to challenge the in-school apprenticeship program can write exemption exams. Cambrian offers several exemption exams, please contact testcentre@cambriancollege.ca to inquire further.
Books and tools
Students may need to purchase books for each level.
The college will provide a list of required tools for your program. Some apprentices may be able to loan tools from their employer and some may be required to buy their tools. The Government of Ontario offers a ‘Loans for Tools’ program to all new apprentices to assist them with the cost of purchasing the tools and equipment that they need for their trade.
Apprenticeship completion
You will receive an academic transcript from the Registrar’s Office (Enrolment Centre) for each of your levels. Upon completion of level three, you will also obtain a Cambrian College certificate. You will be invited to attend Convocation.
Red Seal designation
The Red Seal is the recognized passport to mobility in trades across Canada. Not all skills training programs have a Red Seal designation. Visit the Red Seal website to see which trades are designated.
Helpful links and resources
- College Apprenticeship Forum (CAF)
- Careers in Trades
- Academic and Career Entrance (ACE) – If you do not have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, you can complete the ACE program free of charge through Cambrian’s Academic Upgrading office.
- Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program – Offered through Dual Credit for students under 21 still trying to complete an OSSD
- Canada Apprentice Loan Service Centre – An initiative of the Government of Canada to help you complete your apprenticeship in a designated Red Seal trade.
- Skilled Trades Training at Cambrian
- Become Tradesperson
How to apply
To apply as an apprentice, go to Skilled trades | Ontario.ca website, register and once qualified, apply to your field of choice.
Tel: 416-326-5656
Toll-free: 1-800-387-5656
TTY: 1-866-533-6339
contactEO@ontario.ca
Find an Employment Ontario apprenticeship office near you.
Go to live chat
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Closed on statutory holidays)
Sudbury
Apprenticeship Office
159 Cedar Street, Suite 506
Sudbury, ON Canada P3E 6A5
Toll-free: 1-800-603-5999
Telephone: 705-564-3030
If you have any questions please email: apprenticeship@cambriancollege.ca