Step-by-step: land your first apprentice job

Updated: Oct 2026.

1. Pick a trade

   Think about the work you'd actually enjoy day to day: inside or outside, new builds or repairs, machines or buildings. Check your province's trade list to see how many hours and levels your trade takes, and whether it's compulsory or voluntary where you live. Canada.ca's How to become an apprentice (opens in a new tab) page is a good starting point. Our articles and free practice samples give you a feel for what each trade involves.

2. Still in high school? Start now

   In Ontario, the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) (opens in a new tab) lets you earn co-op credits in a skilled trade. To qualify, you must be at least 15, in Grade 11 or 12 (or equivalent) and have at least 14 credits. OYAP-FAST is a faster stream for students in Grades 11 and 12. To apply, talk to your guidance counsellor, co-op teacher or your board's OYAP recruiter. Alberta offers the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP), where you're a full-time student and a registered apprentice at the same time (Alberta.ca (opens in a new tab)). Ask your school what's offered in your province.

3. Consider a college pre-apprenticeship or foundation program

   Many colleges run pre-apprenticeship, foundation or “pre-skilled trades” programs. Ontario lets you take a college program that also covers in-school apprenticeship requirements (Ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)). In New Brunswick, once you're registered, credit can be applied for previous education and experience (gnb.ca (opens in a new tab)). Some employers ask for this kind of program before they hire. For example, Seaspan says most of its apprenticeship openings need foundation or Level 1 training first, and BC Hydro runs a Pre-Apprentice Power Line Technician program. Check with the college and your authority about what will be credited.

4. Get the entry tickets employers ask for

   • WHMIS: training on hazardous products at work. The CCOHS WHMIS page (opens in a new tab) explains it. Black & McDonald, for example, says a WHMIS course must be completed before working on site (their skilled-trades page (opens in a new tab)).
   • First Aid and CPR: Black & McDonald says its apprentices must take a First Aid and CPR course after starting.
   • Working at Heights (Ontario): if you work on an Ontario construction project and use fall protection, you need an approved Working at Heights program from an approved provider before you use it. The training is valid for 3 years (Ontario.ca (opens in a new tab)).
   • Fall protection elsewhere: rules differ by province and territory. Ask your employer or your provincial workplace safety agency what's required.

   Put every ticket and its expiry date on your resume.

5. Build a trades resume

   Lead with the trade you want, your tickets, any related experience (even helper or labourer work) and the fact that you have reliable transportation. See our before-and-after sample resume for a 2nd-year electrical apprentice. If you'd like a hand, our resume service is written for your trade from your own answers and personally reviewed and finalized by a real person — not a template generator.

6. Know where to look

   • Our job board: apprentice and entry-level trade jobs.
   • Job Bank: use the “Apprentice jobs” filter under “Type of jobs” (how to find apprentice jobs on Job Bank (opens in a new tab)).
   • Union halls and joint training centres: many union locals take apprentice applications directly. See our list of union training centres and locals.
   • Contractors' and employers' associations: local construction, electrical, mechanical and home-builders' associations often list their member companies. That's a ready-made call list.
   • Provincial tools: B.C. has Apprentice Job Match on the WorkBC Job Board (gov.bc.ca (opens in a new tab)). Most provinces also run free employment centres.
   • Who hires apprentices: our directory of employers and programs.

7. Cold-call (and walk in to) contractors

   Many small and mid-size contractors never post their jobs. Call in the morning before crews head out, keep it short, and always follow up by email with your resume.

   You: “Hi, my name is ____. I'm looking to start an apprenticeship as a ____. Could I speak with whoever does the hiring for the field?”

   (Once you're talking to the right person) “I'm calling to ask if you're taking on any first-year apprentices. I have ____ (your tickets, for example WHMIS and First Aid), my own transportation and basic hand tools, and I'm available to start ____. I'm happy to start as a labourer or helper and work my way into an apprenticeship.”

   If they say no: “No problem — thanks for your time. Could I email you my resume in case something opens up? And is there another company you'd suggest I call?”

   If they say maybe: “Great. What's the best email for my resume, and when would be a good time to follow up?”

8. What to bring (to an interview or a walk-in)

   • Printed copies of your resume
   • Copies of your tickets and certificates
   • Your high-school transcript, plus any college transcripts
   • Your driver's licence, if you have one
   • A list of references with phone numbers
   • Safety boots and work clothes, if you're visiting a site or shop

9. Log your hours from day one

   Your hours are how you move up levels and qualify for your exam. Keep your own record of dates, hours and the tasks you did, and get your journeyperson to sign off regularly. Prince Edward Island, for example, requires a logbook in which a journeyperson initials each skill. New Brunswick lets apprentices record hours in its online Apprenticeship Management System (PEI (opens in a new tab), New Brunswick AMS (opens in a new tab)).

10. Get your sponsor to register you

    Once you're hired, ask your employer to register you as an apprentice with your provincial or territorial authority. Don't put this off: until you're registered, your hours may not count. Skilled Trades Ontario explains that you need a sponsor and a registered training agreement (Start an apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)). SkilledTradesBC's Start an Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab) page explains how sponsors confirm registration in B.C. Find your authority in our province and territory table.

Sources

1. Canada.ca — How to become an apprentice (opens in a new tab)
2. Ontario.ca — Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (opens in a new tab)
3. Ontario.ca — Skilled trades (opens in a new tab)
4. Alberta.ca — Become an apprentice in Alberta (opens in a new tab)
5. Government of New Brunswick — Apprenticeship and occupational certification (opens in a new tab)
6. CCOHS — WHMIS (opens in a new tab)
7. Black & McDonald — Skilled trades (opens in a new tab)
8. Ontario.ca — Training for working at heights (opens in a new tab)
9. Job Bank — How do I find apprentice jobs? (opens in a new tab)
10. Government of B.C. — Find a job (Apprentice Job Match) (opens in a new tab)
11. Prince Edward Island — Apprenticeship Program (opens in a new tab)
12. Skilled Trades Ontario — Start an apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)
13. SkilledTradesBC — Start an Apprenticeship (opens in a new tab)