Apprenticeship Training Program

Apprenticeship is a cost effective training partnership between employees, employers, industry and government. Under The Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act, the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Board, in consultation with provincial trade advisory committees sets the standards for training in over 50 designated Manitoba apprenticeship trades. Individuals who successfully complete apprenticeship can attain journeyperson certification in trades in the industrial, mechanical, construction and service sectors. For most of these trades, certification is recognized interprovincially once the individual has passed the exam.

Eligibility Criteria

A business wanting to train employees through apprenticeship must first have employment opportunities in a designated trade occupation and certified journeypersons on staff who are prepared to provide apprentices with quality, on-the-job practical training. The length of an apprenticeship varies from two to five levels (1200-1800 hours per level), depending on the trade. Most trades consist of four levels. Hands-on, practical learning accounts for approximately 80 per cent of the total length of an apprenticeship. The remaining 20 per cent (four - ten weeks per level) is devoted to technical, classroom-based training.

To be an apprentice, the minimum age requirement is 16 years for most trades. Academic credits should be Senior 4 or equivalent as all trades require a good understanding of mathematics and science. Individuals who qualify for apprenticeship training include:

• New entrants to the job market
• Existing employees whose apprenticeship may be shortened based on experience or who can become certified through trades qualification
• Older individuals looking for a career change
• Individuals re-entering the work force
• High school students enrolled in the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option
• Women
• Aboriginal people
• Visible minorities
• People with disabilities

Summary

Through apprenticeship, a business can develop highly skilled and productive employees who are trained to industry specifications. Employers who hire and train apprentices do so to maintain consistent skill levels in their businesses. Trained employees provide consistency in product quality, lower unit costs through efficient work habits and add to a competitive work environment by bringing current technology and skills to the workplace.

To participate in apprenticeship, an apprentice finds an employer who has qualified journeypersons available to mentor the apprentice. Then both the employer and employee sign an apprenticeship agreement that is administered by the Apprenticeship Branch.

Each designated trade is regulated. To legally work in some trades in Manitoba, an individual must be a certified journeyperson or registered apprentice. These trades include: Construction Electrician, Industrial Electrician, Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator, Esthetician, Hairstylist, Electrologist, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic, Sprinkler System installer and Steamfitter-Pipefitter. Employers must pay a pre-determined minimum wage while apprentices complete practical training and verify hours worked on the job.
 

Manitoba Contact(s):
Apprenticeship Branch - Winnipeg
Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
1010 - 401 York Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0P8
Telephone: 204-945-3337
Fax: 204-948-2539
Toll-free (information): 1-877-978-7233
E-mail: apprenticeship@gov.mb.ca