1. Find out if you qualify

   To qualify for an apprenticeship, you must:

   • be at least 16 years of age
   • have legal permission to work in Canada (for example, have a valid social insurance number)
   • meet the educational requirements of your chosen trade
   • have a sponsor in Ontario

2. Find an employer or sponsor

   A sponsor is someone who provides you with apprenticeship training. A sponsor can be a single employer, individual (for example, a contractor) or a group of employers (for example, unions or non-union consortiums).

   How to find a sponsor

   • Guidance counsellor: If you’re in high school, ask your guidance counsellor for advice and referrals for the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and other programs (Specialist High Skills Major, dual credit program.)
   • Online: Visit the job bank to post your resume and availability for apprenticeship in your chosen trade.
   • Employment Ontario: EO offers employment services and training opportunities, like matching apprentices to sponsors. Find an EO location.
   • Unions or trade associations: Many trades have unions or associations with resources to find and match apprentices to sponsors.
   • Local companies: Research local companies in the skilled trades. Try your local online resources, newspapers, or other directories.
   • Your network: Ask around to see if anyone you know is in the skilled trades, and if they are hiring or know someone who is hiring.

3. Apply for an apprenticeship

   If you're 18 years or older

   You can apply online. You must complete the application in one session. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.

   If you're 16 or 17 years old

   You must download a paper application. Instructions: Save the application to your computer; fill out the application; print the application and sign it; get your parent or guardian and your sponsor to sign it; mail (or submit it in-person) the completed and signed application to your local Employment Ontario apprenticeship training office.

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   Skilled Trades Ontario will review your application and let your sponsor know whether or not your application was approved.

   Note: You can change your sponsor later.

4. Sign a training agreement

   If your application is approved, the ministry will:

   1. Create a training agreement for you and your sponsor to sign.
   2. Approve the signed agreement.
   3. Register your apprenticeship training.

The information on this page was sourced from https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship.