Interested in Becoming an Apprentice in the Skilled Trades?
- An apprenticeship is the process by which you become a skilled trades person.
- As an apprentice, you will earn-as-you-learn, working under the supervision of a certified journeyperson to learn the skills of your trade.
- Approximately 80% of an apprentices’ time is spent on the job and 20% in technical training.
Step 1: Find a trade that works for you.
Explore the trades and determine what trade might work for you.
Step 2: Find apprenticeship opportunities. There are two ways to start an apprenticeship.
- Complete a Foundations Program
You can complete a trades foundation program at one of our schools. This will qualify you for your first year of technical training. The majority of students get hired as an apprentice following this training.
- Start as an Apprentice
You can have an employer hire you to get on-the-job experience. This is also known as “direct entry.” Many of our schools and affiliated unions can support you in accessing these jobs.
Step 3: Become a Registered Apprentice.
By attending the College of the BC Building Trades, you will be sponsored as an apprentice by the relevant trade school. The school will register you as an apprentice with SkilledTradesBC, monitor and submit your training hours, track your technical education and get you the support you need to complete your apprenticeship.
College advisors are available to support you in accessing these opportunities.