Where do you start? The simple answer is to take some construction-related courses at school or college, and find a job with a construction company. If you are seriously interested in a particular trade, take a look at your apprenticeship options. The majority of your construction skills are learned on the job, working with skilled tradespeople and supervisors - and you get paid while you learn!

School Courses,
Apprenticeship, and Training on the Job.

Take a construction-related course at school

Many Manitoba high schools offer trades-related courses as optional academic credits. Many schools that don't have shops or classroom space for trades courses partner with other colleges and schools that do offer these kinds of courses. By taking a construction-related course, you can gain valuable, trade-related skills and experience that may help you find your first job in construction. Ask your high school counselor for more information.

Some schools offer trades-related courses that are accredited by the Apprenticeship Branch. This means your course credit is recognized as meeting the technical training requirements for the first level of regular apprenticeship training in a certain trade.

Become an apprentice during high school

As an apprentice in the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option (SYAO), you can earn academic credits needed for graduation AND use the part-time hours you work as credit for the requirements of full-time apprenticeship training. For more details on becoming a Senior Years Apprentice in a construction trade, check the Apprenticeship Branch website at:

Check the Apprenticeship Branch website.

Become a full-time apprentice

You can work in a variety of construction jobs without taking apprenticeship training. However, there are over 20 construction-related occupations in Manitoba that have apprenticeship training. If you become an apprentice in one of these trades, the training you receive is based on industry standards and is recognized across Canada.

You must first have an employer who will train you as an apprentice. As an apprentice in one of these construction trades, you must complete a required number of on-the-job hours of practical experience and attend some time in school. When you successfully complete all levels of your apprenticeship training, you receive a Certificate of Qualification confirming your status as a journeyperson in your trade. Most apprenticeship trades in Manitoba have inter-provincial or "Red Seal" status. This means your Certificate of Qualification is recognized in other provinces.

To legally work in some trades in Manitoba you MUST be an apprentice or certified journeyperson. These include people who work in the construction trades as Crane & Hoisting Equipment Operators, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics, Sprinkler System Installers and Steamfitters/Pipefitters. Check the Apprenticeship website for a listing of all compulsory apprenticeship trades.

Want to know more?

Check the Apprenticeship Branch website.

Information is also available from The Manitoba Apprenticeship Branch Offices:

Winnipeg

1010-401 York Avenue,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3C 0P8
204-945-3337
* Fax 204-948-2346

Brandon

102, 340-9th Street
Brandon, Manitoba
R7A 6C2

204-726-6365
* Fax 204-726-7007

The Pas

Otineka Mall
Box 2550
The Pas, Manitoba
R9A 1M4
204-627-8290
* Fax 204-627-8367

Thompson

118 3 Station Road
Thompson, Manitoba
R8N 0N3
204-677-6346
* Fax 204-677-6689

Toll-free to Winnipeg from Rural Manitoba
1-877-978-7233 (1-877-97-TRADE)

What is an apprentice?

The short answer… An apprentice learns a trade and gets paid to learn.

The long answer… Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and some technical training. It leads to recognized certification in an apprenticeship trade as a qualified journeyperson.

Apprentices spend about 80 per cent of their time learning on the job under the supervision and instruction of a certified journeyperson. The remaining 20 per cent is spent, usually at a college or technical institution, taking some technical training to enhance what is learned at work.

An apprenticeship takes two to five levels, depending on the trade. Each level consists of at least 12 months of practical work experience and in-school training. Most apprenticeships consist of four levels. There are more than 50 apprenticeship trades and subtrades in Manitoba.

In many cases, students who have taken accredited trades-related courses in high school or at a college can receive some credit towards required apprenticeship training - either towards on-the-job hours or technical training. The same applies for Senior Years apprentices or those who have taken certain kinds of post-secondary training. These credits can shorten the time it takes to complete an apprenticeship and become a certified journeyperson.

The money…

From Day One, apprentices earn money while they're learning on the job. First level apprentices earn about half of a journeyperson's wage. The pay increases through each level of training.

Graduation…

Apprentices build up their hours on the job and advance through technical training until they have mastered their trade. When they successfully complete all levels of training, and score at least 70 per cent on their final examination, they become certified journeypersons. The proof is a Certificate of Qualification. If it has a "Red Seal" on it, your trade qualifications are generally recognized throughout most of Canada.

Who's eligible?

Anyone of any age. But - to be an apprentice, you need to:

Have an S4 standing or qualify as a mature student with equivalent academic standing OR

Take part in the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option while you're still in high school, earning an income and credit towards your apprenticeship and your high school diploma AND have an employer who is willing to train you as an apprentice.

Senior Years Apprenticeship Option

This program lets you start apprenticeship while you are still in high school. It links regular Senior Years school instruction with paid, part-time, on-the-job apprenticeship training. You need a qualified and insured employer who will train you as an apprentice. The SYAO Coordinator at the Apprenticeship Branch will work with you, your employer and your school Guidance Counsellor to ensure that you first meet all academic graduation requirements, then schedule your working time when you are not taking required high school classes.

Benefits of the SYAO

Many trades will soon have a huge demand for skilled workers. You get real, hands-on work experience in the job market, and can:

earn up to eight supplemental academic credits for graduation
have the chance to use state-of-the-art technology at work
be paid a trade-specific rate of pay that is more than minimum wage
use this work experience to get a full-time job
apply your on-the-job hours to full-time apprenticeship training after graduation
earn credits for your work experience if you later decide to be an apprentice in another trade
use the skills you learn for a career in management or to start your own business

Qualifying for the SYAO

You must be at least 16 years old. You must be taking core subjects S1-4, have completed S2 and be enrolled in an approved Manitoba S3 or 4 program.

Required Academic Credits

Many trades are technology based and require math, science and computer skills. Good reading, writing and communication skills are also very important. While mechanical and hands-on skills are still core requirements to enter a trade, you should finish high school. Many trades are now asking for Senior 4 or equivalent academic standing.

Eligible Trades

You have access to career opportunities in almost 40 trades. Some trades do NOT qualify for the SYAO because technical training is required before on-the-job experience. For a listing of eligible trades refer to the Apprenticeship Branch website at:

www.gov.mb.ca/tradecareers

Find a trade that interests you, then talk to people who work in this occupation. There are thousands of specialized career options in apprenticeship trades.

For more information?

Talk to your school guidance counsellor or contact the Senior Years Apprenticeship Option Coordinator in Winnipeg at 945-1583. Toll-free from within Manitoba, call 1-877-978-7233.