How to Build a Successful Career in the Skilled Trades as an Apprentice
Are you interested in a rewarding career in a construction and manufacturing Red Seal trade? If so, there has never been a better time to become an apprentice. In an effort to increase the number and diversity of people going into the skilled trades, the Canadian Government has launched the Apprenticeship Service Program.
Find out who’s eligible, what the benefits are for first-year apprentices, and how to apply.
What is the Apprenticeship Service Program?
The Canadian Government projects that by 2030, there will be a 30,000-person labour shortage in the skilled trades. To prevent this, the government has launched a national program that incentivizes small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to hire first-year apprentices.
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) Canadian District has been selected as an intermediary for the Apprenticeship Service Program, which means we will be facilitating participation in the program and distributing the money accordingly.
How Does the Apprenticeship Service Program Work?
The goal of this program is to increase the presence in the trades, with a particular focus on reducing barriers to employment for equity-deserving groups. If you’re hired as a first-year apprentice by a participating SME (less than 500 employees), the business will receive $5000 to offset hiring and onboarding costs after you have completed one month of full-time employment. The business will receive an additional $5000 if you identify as a woman, an Indigenous person, a newcomer to Canada, a person with disabilities, LGBTQ2+, or a visible minority.
Benefits of an Apprenticeship Through the Apprenticeship Service Program
So, what’s in it for you as an apprentice? Although the employer is the one receiving the money allocated for this program, you are the one with the most to gain in the long run as an apprentice. Here’s why…
The Apprenticeship Service Program is a Path to a Lifelong Career in the Skilled Trades
With the demand for skilled tradespeople steadily growing, this can be more than just a job. This apprenticeship can give you the training, knowledge, and experience you need to build a rewarding career with tremendous growth potential.
Enjoy Stable Employment With Desirable Benefits
Although the skilled trades have not traditionally been considered a ‘cushy’ career option, rising demand for Red Seal trades means you can readily find employment immediately after graduating from trades school and enjoy a stable career with a pension plan, RRSPs, and benefits.
The Apprenticeship Service Program Offers Ongoing Training and Support
Not only do we sponsor apprenticeships as the union, but we also offer many different types of training at our impressive training centre in Delta. This wonderful facility boasts dynamic classrooms, meeting spaces, and workspaces where you can practice technical skills related to your trade, interact with other apprentices, and hone your craft. You’ll also have access to a digital toolkit with resources for effective leadership, communication skills, collaboration, workplace culture, and more.
Be Matched With an Employer Who is Genuinely a Good Fit
At BCRCC, we do our absolute best to find a strong match between apprentices and employers. As a part of our thorough intake process, we are committed to getting to know you and understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and history to find you a placement that will help you grow both personally and professionally.
How to Apply for an Apprenticeship
The Apprenticeship Service Program is open to first-year apprentices from any of the 39 construction and manufacturing Red Seal trades. Women, Indigenous people, newcomers to Canada, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2+, and visible minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
This program is truly a win-win situation for both employers and apprentices; businesses get some financial relief from onboarding costs for promising apprentices who will grow with the company, and apprentices get the hands-on work experience they need for a successful career in the skilled trades.
If you are currently in your first year of technical training, or want to get into technical training but don’t know how, contact Peter Smith at [email protected] today for more information about how you can join the union.