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Best Practices for Apprentices

We know that starting an apprenticeship can be overwhelming and hard to navigate the system. We’ve done our best to capture best practices based on real life feedback from employers and apprentices. This should help you prioritize certain tasks and responsibilities on-site and for in-class training.

As always, reach out to our team if you have any questions!

Training Standard (Log Book)

  • Make sure you download your trade’s Apprenticeship Training Standard Log Book and have it available in print form for your entire apprenticeship.
  • Keep it in your vehicle or in a safe place so you can access it while at work.
  • Regularly meet with your employer/trainer in order to check off and review competencies learned. If you leave the employer and the competencies are NOT checked off, it will be difficult to get them to do it afterwards.
  • You are required to sign off on all skills, including for your completion package, before writing your exam.

Essential Documents

Keep all your employment and apprenticeship documents in one safe place. Scan them for digital safe-keeping. Documents to manage include:

  • Registered Training Agreement(s) (RTA)
  • STO Registration or STO ID/Account #
  • Employment letters from all employer sponsors and they include hours worked as a registered apprentice
  • Proof of hours (demonstrated by pay stubs, time sheets, ROEs, employer letters)
  • Education/TDA docs, including transcripts and receipts
  • Training certificates/training records (track expiry dates in your personal calendar)
  • Confirmation of Classroom Training (MLITSD)
  • Any pre apprenticeship training or OYAP documents

Tracking Hours and Apprentice Level Pay Raise

  • Check your collective agreement in myCLAC for any instruction on how to advise your employer about your next apprentice term pay raise.
  • It is your responsibility to track your hours – CLAC and STO do not do that for you
  • By default, assume it is your responsibility as well to advise the employer that you are at the next level of your apprenticeship.
  • Remember that your in-class hours at trade school count towards your apprenticeship progression.
  • Talk to your Union Steward or CLAC Representative if you are having issues with your pay level – hint: myCLAC.ca has the listing of your union steward(s) and CLAC Representatives).

Registering and Paying For Trade School

  • Attending in-school trade school is by invitation only. Do not contact the school to enquire about the status of your seat offer.
  • Offers of classroom training are issued by the MLITSD 90+ days before the class start date via email.
  • When you receive your MLITSD Confirmation of Classroom Training letter, do not delay in registering for in-school training with the school listed on the letter.
  • There are only so many seats and there is a wait-list. Securing your seat is on a first-come, first served basis.
  • Also, do everything possible to not defer this offer to a later date. If you think you are too busy now to go to trade school, you are being too optimistic if you think that you will have more time in the future.
  • Secure your seat by registering and paying for your seat with the school listed on the offer of classroom training (search your school’s website for “apprenticeship registration”).
  • Keep your tuition fee receipt for reimbursement by CLAC after you successfully complete each level.

Employment Insurance Benefits

  • The Confirmation of Classroom Training letter you receive from MLITSD includes a 16-digit Reference Code number. You will need to use the reference code to file an Employment Insurance (EI) Benefits application if you are completing the level of classroom training by attending a full-time class (block
  • The letter also includes additional information on EI.
  • Do not delay applying for EI as there will be processing and approval timelines. Your Record of Employment (ROE) is filed electronically by your Employer so you do not have to wait to receive it.
  • Become familiar today about Service Canada’s Employment Insurance for Apprentices so you can financially plan your apprenticeship.

Trade School Performance and Successful Outcome

  • Based on our experience, those apprentices who do well in school, do well on the C of Q exam. They often achieve the same mark on the C of Q that they did in school.
  • CLAC will provide a $100 outstanding achievement bonus for marks above 80 percent (3.7 GPA) when you submit your grades/receipt for reimbursement.
  • Your school will have plenty of resources to address any learning challenges. Take advantage of them while you are in a learning and education mode. Waiting until the end of your apprenticeship will leave you scrambling and with unnecessary stress.
  • Ask for accommodations if needed – your TDA will have resources you can take advantage of like asking for more time or one-on-one support to understand the course curriculum.
  • There is a mandatory week of pre-exam preparation at the end of your final term of trade school. Again, this is a free resource for you to prepare for your C of Q.
  • You can connect with the Skilled Trades Ontario Exam Support Unit – it’s a free resource and can be an important factor in writing the exam and passing on the first try! You can email them: esu@skilledtradesontario.ca to have an assessment done.
  • Contact the CLAC Apprenticeship Team for additional pre-exam resources.

Continuous Learning

  • During your apprenticeship, whether on-the-job or in trade school, be sure to be proactively engaged in your education by asking questions, reading, researching and understanding the application of the applicable trade/building code.
  • Talk to colleagues, fellow apprentices, journeypersons, and your supervisor about what to expect during your apprenticeship. They have been through the same process and experienced the same challenges as you. Do not be shy!
  • Networking with your team mates and other apprentices is key to your success. Be open minded and learn from others experience.
  • Get advice or tips on how to study and what to expect.
  • Create connections with your TDA instructors.
  • Looking for ways to get connected with other trades people? Get in contact with the CLAC Apprentice Mentorship Team today!