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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeship programs

Learn by doing, and earn at the same time

A student in a blue jumpsuit examines heavy machinery with red fuel canisters nearby.
A welder in protective gear works with metal, creating bright sparks in a dimly lit workshop.

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 include:

  • Automotive Service Technician – 310S
  • 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
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic – 313A
  • Truck and Coach Technician – 310T
  • Welder – 456A

Depending on the skilled trade you choose, the length of training will vary between two and five years. There are three levels to complete, and most levels consist of 240 hours. During that time, you will earn a wage based on a percentage of a journeyperson’s wages.

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 CodeProgram CodeProgramLevelStart DateEnd DateFeesPre-Exam Week
Semester: 202405
433AMWAPIndustrial Mechanic Millwright129-Apr-202421-Jun-2024400.00
433AMWAPIndustrial Mechanic Millwright229-Apr-202421-Jun-2024400.00
Semester: 202409
442AETAPIndustrial Electrician212-Aug-202418-Oct-2024500.00
433AMWAPIndustrial Mechanic Millwright119-Aug-202411-Oct-2024400.00
310TMTACTruck and Coach Technician202-Sep-202425-Oct-2024400.00
310SMVAPAutomotive Service Technician202-Sep-202425-Oct-2024400.00
429AMGAPGeneral Machinist102-Sep-202425-Oct-2024400.00
421AHTAPHeavy Duty Equipment Technician103-Sep-202401-Apr-2025400.00
    • …

Qualifications and requirements

  • Most trades require the completion of an OSSD or its equivalent.
  • You must be a resident of Ontario.
  • You must be sponsored as an apprentice.

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 at all levels. These examinations are available at all community colleges in the province.

Books and tools

Students will have to purchase books for the first level that will carry through to levels two and three.

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

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

Ontario
Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities
17th Floor – Mowat Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto, ON Canada M7A 1L2
Toll-free: 1-800-387-5514
Telephone: 416-325-2929
Fax: 416-325-6348

If you have any questions please email: apprenticeship@cambriancollege.ca