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Apprenticeship in Ontario

An apprenticeship is a great way to learn a skilled trade through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom study. CLAC can help you make informed career decisions and navigate the apprenticeship system in your province. 

 

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Interested in learning more about apprenticeships at CLAC?

Fill out an intake form to receive direct assistance with your apprenticeship journey.

Intake Form

 

Learn more about apprenticeship offerings in Ontario through the dropdowns below. Don't hesitate to reach out to the CLAC Apprenticeship Team if you have any questions (apprenticeshipcentral@clac.ca).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

You must follow a series of steps to become an apprentice, complete your training—both in-class and practical—and then receive your certification.

  1. Do your research
    • Use resources like Skilled Trades Ontario and the government Apprenticeship page to help you determine what trade is the right fit for you!
    • Don’t forget to review skills and required pre-requisites for your trade, including any educational requirements.
  2. Find an employer
    • You need to find a sponsor (employer) who will hire you as an apprentice in your chosen field and register your apprenticeship with Skilled Trades Ontario (STO) & Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD
    • They will need to share their Sponsor ID# with you to start your registration (see next step).
  3. Get registered
    • Whether you’re new or an experienced worker, you can start your registration application through the STO Portal today!
      • If you are a new apprentice, you will need to collect your supporting documents to get this process started. Click here to find out more.
      • If you are an experienced apprentice, you need to have proof of hours and your Client ID# from your previous training agreement (found on the first page), as well as your new employer’s Sponsor ID#.
  4. Sign your agreement
    • Don’t forget to follow the prompts from your Ministry consultant to sign your agreement, including your employer/sponsor.
    • Once your agreement is done you are responsible for:
      • Tracking your hours from the date of your registration (including any previously accrued hours that were credited on your training agreement
      • Filling out and signing your Logbook (Training Standard). Find a digital copy of your trade’s logbook here.

  1. Once your agreement is done you are responsible for:
    • Tracking your hours from the date of your registration (including any previously accrued hours that were credited on your training agreement)
    • Filling out and signing your Logbook (Training Standard). Find a digital copy of your trade’s logbook here.
  2. Complete your CLAC On-Boarding Application today to get free CLAC swag, including the coveted CLAC Yeti!
    • Go to myCLAC – My Apprenticeship page to complete your application today
      • You’ll need a copy of your Registered Training Agreement
      • Don’t forget to review eligibility requirements when visiting myCLAC – My Apprenticeship page
  3. Once you've onboarded with our Central Apprenticeship team, you have access to our free Apprenticeship Support Program
    • Login today:
    • Username: first name initial + full last name (ie. jsmith)
    • Password: apprentice 
  • If you have issues logging in, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team

  1. School offers are facilitated through MLITSD and are typically offered 150 days prior to school dates starting.
  2. Your offers for schooling happen 12-18 months after being registered as an apprentice. Check your initial registration date on your training agreement to help track this.
  3. When you get an offer for school, make sure to register and pay as soon as possible! Classes are filling up within 30 minutes of offers going out. You can always cancel for a full refund if needed. Most schools follow a 10-business day withdrawal policy based on the school start date.
  4. Don’t forget to apply for the CLAC Tuition Reimbursement. We cover 100% of your tuition costs (this does not cover any other fees including administrative or processing fees).

CLAC Supports for Apprentices

Our team is here to support you from registration all the way to completion of your apprenticeship! Below is a list of some of the CLAC supports available to registered apprentices. Don’t hesitate to contact our team (apprenticeshipcentral@clac.ca) today if you have any questions.

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CLAC Tuition Reimbursement

CLAC will reimburse 100 percent of apprenticeship trade school tuition fees.

BONUS! If your final trade school mark is 80 percent or higher, you can receive an additional $100.

Login to MyCLAC to Apply
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CLAC Frank Kooger Apprenticeship Award

Each year, we distribute six awards to apprentices in the construction trades who strive to excel and who are dedicated to becoming journeypersons in their trades.

Learn More and Apply
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CLAC Mentorship Team

Our mentorship team is here to support you throughout the course of your apprenticeship. Apprentices can access this free service for support with skills development, exam preparation, development of communication skills, and much more!

Connect With Us Today

Don’t leave money on the table!

This is a taxable cash grant of $1,000 per year or level, for a lifetime maximum amount of $2,000 per person. This funding will be expiring (no longer offered) as of March 31, 2025. You have up until that date to apply if you are eligible.

Learn More and Apply

This is a one-time taxable cash grant with a lifetime amount of $2,000 per registered apprentice who completes their apprenticeship training and obtains their journeyperson certification. This funding will be expiring (no longer offered) as of March 31, 2025. You have up until that date to apply if you are eligible.

Learn More and Apply

Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program can receive up to $4,000 in Canada Apprentice Loans per period of technical training. You can receive these loans for up to five periods of technical training. Your loan will be interest-free for up to six years as long as you are confirmed as being registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program. You do not have to make any loan payments while your loan is in interest-free status.

Learn More and Apply

If you are a registered apprentice in Ontario who has completed Level 1 (Basic) in-class training, you may be eligible for this fund!

The amount of the grant depends on the type of trade you’re apprenticing in.

  • $1,000 for automotive power trades
  • $600 for construction and industrial trades
  • $400 for service trades

Applying only takes a few minutes! Make sure to have your Client ID (found on your training agreement) and your direct deposit banking information ready.

Learn More and Apply

The institution that you attend for technical training may offer additional scholarships and bursaries. Check out your school’s website to learn what is available.

Unlike other post-secondary students, an apprentice can collect employment insurance (EI) while attending technical training.

You can apply for EI online no more than seven days before your last day of work. You will need an employment insurance reference code to access the apprentice application form. You will find this code on your registration confirmation letter.

Be aware that you may not receive EI payments for up to four to six weeks after you start classes. Plan to have alternative financial arrangements in place during this time.

  • Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction
    Annual deduction to help cover the cost of new tools necessary to their trade. Applies to tools acquired in excess of $1,000.
  • Tuition Tax Credit
    Tax credit available to apprentices for tuition and examination fees where it’s required to attend or complete to obtain a professional status.

Find out more about tax deductions through the CRA here.

Quick Links and Resources

Still need more information? Check out these links for other Ontario resources about the trades:

Have questions for your Ministry consultant? Need to know more information about your timeline for school offers? Find your local Ministry office here.

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Need help?

Reach out to our CLAC Apprenticeship - Central team today to get one-on-one support and resources to guide you through your apprenticeship.