If You Have Experience

If you have experience, we want to hear about it. There are so many different paths that lead to an apprenticeship program and we want to make sure that we are able to recognize the experiences that you have had before you are placed in an apprenticeship program. For example, maybe you’ve trained towards a Red Seal trade elsewhere in Canada, completed an accredited pre-apprenticeship program or maybe you are certified in a related traded?

When you apply, make sure you tell us about your previous experiences in the trade.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of prior learning is a process used to identify, document, assess and recognize skills and knowledge. During this process, it is necessary to identify and gather information on past experiences and accomplishments. Once you have submitted all the required information through the apprenticeship application, we will do an assessment and recognize your prior learning.

Transfer Credits From Other Provinces

Technical and practical training completed as an apprentice in another Canadian jurisdiction can be assessed for credit. When submitting your apprenticeship agreement it is necessary to include the following:

• Proof of education-official transcript of marks or equivalent including the number of levels and/or part levels of technical training received (successful and unsuccessful attempts)
• The calendar time and number of hours of work experience that were credited during the course of the apprenticeship training (i.e. Record of Hours or equivalent)
• Course outline or equivalent of each level of technical training successfully completed

Credit for On-The-Job Training

If you have a work history of a minimum amount of years and hours in a trade over a specified length of time, you may qualify to challenge your exam through the Trades Qualification process.

Learn more at Challenging Your Exam.

If you do not meet the minimum requirements for challenging the exam, your practical experience obtained thus far may be assessed for credit towards apprenticeship training. When submitting your apprenticeship agreement, remember to disclose your previous experiences.

Credit for Technical Training

Completion of a trade program from an institution with an accredited pre-apprenticeship program can be applied towards an apprenticeship program. When submitting your apprenticeship agreement, remember to include the following:

• Proof of education - official transcript or equivalent
• Program accreditation number