What is an Apprenticeship?

• Apprentices not only learn skills in a classroom, but also receive paid, on­-the-­job training with their employer/sponsor.
• Approximately 80% of the training happens on-­the­-job with an employer and the other 20% is completed in school over two 12-week winter semesters.
• Once registered, apprentices typically take between 4­-6 years to complete their training and certification requirements.

The Government of Ontario pays for 85% of classroom training and supports apprentices with grants and EI eligibility during classroom training.

Advantages to Apprenticeship

• Lower student debt as you can earn while you learn
• Good pay
• Higher job satisfaction
• Gain recognized work experience
• Exposed to hands on learning
• Acquire skills that will last a lifetime and that open doors for promotion and entrepreneurship
• Horticulture is recognized across Canada as a Red Seal Trade
• Apprentices are eligible for financial incentives including training grants at the end of each in-­class training semester, in school loans and completion grants.
• Apprenticeship loans
• Apprentices may be eligible for EI while in-­school

For More Information on the Apprenticeship Program

Landscape Ontario Handout – Earn While you Learn (PDF)
Green Careers Canada – Apprenticeships