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Who Does it Involve?

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Photo courtesy of Okanagan College

Who is Involved in the Apprenticeship Process?

 

Apprentice

An apprentice is hired by an employer, works with a journeyperson in order to learn a trade, and is officially registered with their province or territory. Apprentices are responsible for going to their technical training and completing all the required assignments and examinations. Apprentices are paid employees who may also receive Employment Insurance benefits and federal or provincial/territorial grants.

Journeyperson

A certified journeyperson is recognized as a qualified and skilled person in a trade, and, therefore, entitled to the wages and benefits associated with that trade. A certified journeyperson is allowed to train and act as a mentor to a registered apprentice. Journeypersons can sign off on whether apprentices are achieving their key competencies on-the-job and play an important role in developing apprentice skill sets.

Apprenticeship Authorities

Apprenticeship authorities exist in every province and territory. Their role is to administer trades training. They are involved throughout the apprenticeship process. Apprentices and employer sponsors officially register with the apprenticeship authority and, throughout the apprenticeship, the training provided must adhere to the standards set up by the province or territory. Individuals who have prior experience or learning to be assessed should speak to the apprenticeship authority, which may determine that previous work experience and training can be applied to an apprenticeship. At the end of the training, it is the apprenticeship authority who administers the examination process and issues the Certificate of Qualification from the province or territory.

Apprenticeship is regulated by the provinces and territories, creating 13 unique systems geared to the labour market needs and conditions in each region of Canada. Jurisdictions offer a variety of supports, incentives and programs to respond to the needs of their apprenticeship stakeholders.