Apprenticeship programs provide Manitobans with recognized certification as skilled journeypersons and ensure that qualified trades professionals are available to meet industry requirements for workers in the skilled trades. Apprenticeship comprises over fifty trades and sub-trades designated under the Manitoba Apprenticeship and Certification Act.

Apprenticeship training combines on the job practical skills development with levels of technical training. Program standards and curriculum are approved by the Apprenticeship and Certification Board, on the recommendation of Provincial Advisory Committees, whose members represent Manitoba industry.

Apprenticeship training varies from two to five levels, depending on the trade. The average length of apprenticeship training is four levels. For each level, apprentices spend 80 percent of their time learning practical skills on the job. The remaining 20 percent is for technical training which is usually four to ten weeks. Many of the apprenticeship technical training courses are administered in full-time day classes by Red River College. At the end of apprenticeship training, apprentices write a certification examination and must score at least 70 per cent to receive a Certificate of Qualification in the trade.

The technical training courses provide instruction in the practice and theory of the trade together with related courses such as mathematics, science, blueprint reading, and in some trades, welding and machining. Successful results on certification examinations, combined with specific skills learned on the job, qualify the apprentice as a skilled journeyperson.

An apprentice can receive certification in over 50 trades, many that include Interprovincial (Red Seal) status. The Interprovincial Standards ‘Red Seal’ Program was established to provide greater mobility for skilled workers and also encourages the standardization of Provincial/Territorial training and certification programs.
 

Entrance Requirements

To enter apprenticeship training, an individual must first find an employer who is positive about on-the-job training and is willing to enter into an apprenticeship agreement. Apprenticeship Manitoba, Entrepreneurship Training and Trade provides information and assistance in establishing an apprenticeship agreement, monitors the on-the-job training and makes arrangements for the in-school training. The employer agrees to give specific on-the-job training for the apprentice in all areas of the trade.

For the majority of trades, the minimum age requirement is 16 years. It is recommended that applicants have successfully completed high school. Because apprenticeship trades involve technical components, it is important to have high school credits in math and science. Those with mature student status, over 19 years of age, regardless of completed grade level, may be required to participate in an assessment process.  For more information on entrance requirements for a particular trade, please contact Apprenticeship Manitoba.
 

Employment Potential

An individual who successfully completes an apprenticeship is granted certification of qualification in a chosen trade. This certificate, recognized by employers and the public, identifies the holder as a journeyperson. In most trades, a journeyperson can qualify for interprovincial or "Red Seal" standing if the final exam mark is 70 percent or higher. With this certificate, a journeyperson can work in other provinces where the "Red Seal" certification is recognized.
 

Programs

Apprenticeship Manitoba, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade, in cooperation with Red River College, offers the following technical training courses for designated apprenticeship trades:

Industrial

    * Boilermaker
    * CNC Machinist
    * Industrial Electrician
    * Machinist
    * Power Electrician
    * Tool and Die Maker

Transportation

    * Aircraft Maintenance Journeyperson
    * Gas Turbine Engine Repair and Overhaul
    * Marine and Outdoor Power Equipment Technician
    * Motor Vehicle Body Painter
    * Motor Vehicle Body Repairer
    * Motor Vehicle Mechanic
    * Motor Vehicle Mechanic (ASSET & ASEP)
    * Transport Trailer Technician
    * Truck and Transport Mechanic

 Construction

    * Bricklayer
    * Cabinetmaker
    * Carpenter
    * Construction Electrician
    * Construction Craft Worker
    * Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator
    * Gas Fitter ‘B’
    * Insulator (Heat & Frost)
    * Ironworker
    * Lather (Interior Systems Mechanic)
    * Painter and Decorator
    * Plumber
    * Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
    * Sheet Metal Worker
    * Sprinkler and Fire Protection System Installer
    * Steamfitter - Pipefitter

Service

    * Cook
    * Landscape Technician
 

Finance and Awards

For information on Apprenticeship finance and awards, please visit http://www.gov.mb.ca/tce/apprent/finance/index.html
 

Further Information

Please contact one of the following Apprenticeship offices for more information, or to apply for apprenticeship training:

WINNIPEG

    1010 - 401 York Avenue
    Winnipeg MB  R3C 0P8
    Phone: 204-945-3337

BRANDON

    128 - 340 Ninth Street
    Brandon MB  R7A 6C2
    Phone: 204-726-6365

THE PAS

    Box 2550, 305 Fourth Street West
    The Pas, MB  R9A 1M4
    Phone: 204-627-8290

THOMPSON

    118-3 Station Road
    Thompson, MB  R8N 0N3
    Phone: 204-677-6346

Toll Free in Manitoba:  1-877-978-7233
Website: www.manitoba.ca/tradecareers