{"id":30,"date":"2021-07-27T17:05:53","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T21:05:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/tradescommoncoreb4\/chapter\/apprenticeship-system\/"},"modified":"2022-07-13T15:01:42","modified_gmt":"2022-07-13T19:01:42","slug":"apprenticeship-system","status":"publish","type":"chapter","link":"https:\/\/opentextbc.ca\/tradescommoncoreb4\/chapter\/apprenticeship-system\/","title":{"raw":"Learning Task 1: The Apprenticeship System","rendered":"Learning Task 1: The Apprenticeship System"},"content":{"raw":"Click play on the following audio player to listen along as you read this section.\r\n\r\nhttps:\/\/media.bccampus.ca\/id\/0_sqc5dnsn?width=608&height=402&playerId=23449753\r\n

Understanding the Apprenticeship System<\/h1>\r\nThe apprenticeship system is a model of training that teaches the skills and competencies necessary to work in a skilled trade. It consists of both on-the-job training in industry and technical training. The individual receiving this training is called an \u201capprentice.\u201d\r\n\r\nIt is estimated that between 80% to 85% of all apprenticeship training occurs with the employer on the job site, and the remaining 15% to 20% is technical training with an approved training provider. Generally, the apprenticeship makes up the largest component of trades training systems in most developed countries, and this model is rapidly being adopted by many developing nations.\r\n\r\nAn apprenticeship is an agreement between an apprentice (individual), an employer, and the authority responsible for trades training, and it outlines the obligations of all three parties. The fourth often unwritten partner to the apprenticeship is the person who provides the technical training. In general, the employer is responsible for ensuring that the paid apprentice works under the supervision of a certified journeyperson who provides the apprentice with on-the- job training and mentorship in their trade. The employer is also responsible for meeting a set of conditions, including ensuring that the apprentice is officially registered with their province or territory, recognizing that further technical training is integral to the apprenticeship program, and tracking and reporting of all time spent on the job site to the relevant authority. The majority of skilled trades have three to four levels of technical training, and an apprenticeship usually lasts between three and six years. Depending on the circumstances, an apprentice may also work for more than one employer during their apprenticeship.\r\n\r\nThe role of the organization responsible for trades training and certification varies depending on the country. In Canada, trades training and certification are the responsibility of individual provinces and territories, so in effect there are 13 different trades training systems. While there are many similarities between the systems, there are also many differences based on the needs of the individual province or territory.\r\n\r\nThere are over 300 different trades in Canada; however, not all are recognized (certified) or taught in each province and territory. The majority of skilled trades fall into four different sectors: construction, transportation, manufacturing, and services. Over 40% of all skilled trades workers in Canada are in construction trades, which include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, and welders, to name a few.\r\n\r\nIn addition to each province and territory having its own trades system, Canada also has a standard of excellence called the \u201cInterprovincial Standards Red Seal Program.\u201d Through this program, tradespersons obtain an endorsement on their provincial\/territorial certificates by successfully completing an interprovincial exam in or following the final year of their technical training. This endorsement makes it easier for journeyed trades workers to move between provinces\/territories and employers. In 2012, over 360 000 apprentices were registered in apprenticeship programs, and over 77% of these individuals were working in one of the 57 Red Seal trades (Canadian Council of Directors of Apprenticeship, 2014).\r\n

Exploring trades training<\/h2>\r\nIf you are considering going into a trade, it is important to understand what the job is all about. The anticipated shortage of skilled trades workers in Canada has resulted in the creation of numerous websites, videos, and brochures dedicated exclusively to learning about careers in the trades.\r\n\r\nAnother way to learn about trades programs is to contact your local trades training provider and find out what is available for you. Many colleges that offer trades training also offer short exploratory programs into the various trades they teach at their institution, or special initiatives such as entry-level Indigenous Peoples Trades Training, and Women in the Trades. They also offer information sessions, campus visits, or opportunities to talk one-on-one with an instructor or student in a specific trade. Check out the website of your local training provider or call them to get more information.\r\n\r\nMany high schools also offer exploration into trades training, dual-credential programming, and student apprenticeship programming\u2014along with opportunities for visits to local educational institutions and assistance with career programming.\r\n\r\nIf there is an industry that you\u2019d really like to get into, you might also want to contact an employer or meet with individuals already working in that career to find out first-hand what working in the trade is like\u2014both the rewards and challenges. This can provide you with a better overview of what to expect.\r\n\r\nThe following are just a few resources you should look at to further explore trades training.\r\n

Websites<\/h3>\r\n