What is an Apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship is a form of post-secondary education like university or college. But there’s a big difference. Apprentices not only learn skills in a classroom, but receive paid, on-the-job training with your employer/sponsor. You can earn while you learn! Approximately 80% of the training happens on-the-job with your 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.
If you are ready to work and want to combine training with earning power, consider the apprenticeship program, where workplace-based training is provided under the direction of experienced mentors and trainers, combined with classroom training. The Ontario government pays for almost 85% of classroom training, supports apprentices with grants and some apprentices are eligible for EI grants 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
