What is an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeship programs combine paid work experience (about 80% of training) and technical training in the classroom or shop setting (about 20%). You can begin an apprenticeship in high school or after graduation.
Apprenticeship programs require that you find an employer to sponsor you. Your sponsor gives you the paid work experience and also allows you to return to school full-time to gain your technical training for each level.
An apprenticeship may take up to four years to complete. At the end of the program, you write a final completion exam to earn either your Certificate of Qualification — qualifying you to work across B.C. — or your Interprovincial Red Seal, which is recognized across Canada. Upon earning a grade of at least 70%, you become a fully qualified journeyperson.