The next step is to find an apprentice who’s a good fit for your business.

Apprentices must be at least 16 years old and meet minimum education requirements (usually a Grade 12 diploma or equivalent).

Here are some resources to help you find an apprentice:

• ApprenticeSearch.com – Connect directly with apprentices seeking an employer. ApprenticeSearch is a job board designed exclusively for the skilled trades. Apprentices upload their resumes to find employers. Employers can browse results to connect with candidates.
• Employment Ontario – Get support from qualified Employment Specialists and access a diverse pool of candidates with Employment Ontario (EO). Many EO providers hold events and job fairs for specific talent pools, including underrepresented groups such as women or people with disabilities. Employment services can save you money by finding talent for you. Join one of their hiring events to meet job seekers or connect with them to get resumes from skilled workers who are eager for a career in the trades. You can also get support from an EO Job Developer who can help you develop job postings, pre-screen applications and make suggestions about which candidates may be a good fit for your business.
• Canada Job Bank – The Job Bank is used by job seekers and employers across Canada. Upload your job posting to attract skilled workers in your area.
• Employer/trade associations – Leverage sector-specific and targeted job boards. Visit the Career Foundation website for a list of skilled trade organizations and associations by sector.
• Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) – Employers partner with their local school boards to prepare students for a career in the skilled trades. Connect with youth beginners who are eager to learn at no cost to your business! Contact your local OYAP recruiter to get started.
• Level Up! Career Fairs – Attend Level Up! career fairs provided by the Government of Ontario. These events connect youth with experts in a range of industries to discover rewarding opportunities in the skilled trades.
• Workforce Planning Board – Connect with your local Workforce Planning Board. They work with a wide network of community and employment services and job seekers in their region. Expand your reach by sharing job postings with them.
• Get SET (Skills, Education and Training) – Build connections with your local adult upgrading programs. These programs work with many learners on the apprenticeship goal path. Contact your local Learning Network to share job postings with learners who are ready to join the workforce.

Apprentices from Outside of Ontario

The hiring process is the same for apprentices who began training outside of Ontario. To evaluate their experience, you’ll want to ask for:

• Work experience
  • For example, a signed letter or documents from a previous employer that confirms their employment and outlines their skills and hours completed, or a Work Experience Verification Form.
• Technical training
  • For example, a transcript or letter from their college or training program.
• Apprenticeship registration
  • For example, a copy of their training agreement or registration card from their former province or territory.

Remember! Leveled schooling doesn’t always transfer from province to province. The apprentice may need to start over in Ontario.

Connect with Skilled Trades Ontario for more details on how to recognize previous workplace and formal training completed outside of Ontario.

Apprentices from Outside of Canada

There are many new Canadians who are highly skilled, but who have completed formal training outside of Canada. These experienced tradespeople may have the skills and experience they need, but don’t have the proper qualifications to work in Ontario.

In this case, they can complete the Trade Equivalency Assessment through Skilled Trades Ontario. This is the first step towards certification for experienced workers with international training and experience. This assessment determines if the worker can challenge the Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) for their trade. The Trade Equivalency Assessment is only available in trades with certifying exams.

Click here for a list of Ontario trades with a C of Q and other important details on the Trade Equivalency Assessment application.

For trades without a C of Q, the highest level of certification available is the Certificate of Apprenticeship. In this case, the new worker will need to apply for an apprenticeship using the same process as Canadian citizens.

Connect with Skilled Trades Ontario for more details on how to recognize previous workplace and formal training completed outside of Canada.