Before you hire an apprentice, you’ll want to make sure your workplace is prepared. Here are some questions to consider:

• Do you have the space, time and equipment you need to train an apprentice?
• Can you save time and money and hire an existing employee? You have access to a highly skilled pool of talent within your workforce?
• Are you a registered sponsor with Skilled Trades Ontario? (If not, scroll down to Step 3 - Register the Apprentice)
• Do you have a trainer or journeyperson available to train the apprentice?
• Can you schedule their in-class training so it doesn’t interfere with work?
• Do you meet the Ontario regulations for your trade(s)?
• All trades with journeyperson-apprentice ratios should be 1 to 1 under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021.

You as the employer can sponsor and train the apprentice OR you can train an apprentice who is already sponsored by a group sponsor.

A group sponsor is an amazing resource that supports both apprentices and employers. They can:

• recruit, screen, interview and register apprentices - all the employer has to do is train
• help job-ready apprentices find an employer to train them
• register the apprentice with Skilled Trades Ontario
• connect apprentices with experienced mentors
• provide support and guidance to employers
• give employers information about financial supports for training a new apprentice
• save employers time and money and help them grow their business

The group sponsor will also register the apprentice with you, the employer. To learn more about how a group sponsor can save you time and money, check out the Group Sponsorship Tip Sheet.

There are many unions and support organizations who offer group sponsorships, including:

• Support Ontario Youth (SOY)
• Merit Ontario
• Landscape Ontario
• Labourers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA)
• Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC)

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of group sponsors. Many employer/trade associations also offer group sponsorships. Visit The Career Foundation website for a list of organizations and associations by sector.