Apprenticeship training

A trade apprenticeship could be your ticket to better wages and career prospects.

What is an apprenticeship and how does it work?

Apprenticeship programs combine paid work experience (about 80% of training) and technical training in the classroom or shop setting (about 20%).

If you'd like to apply for an apprenticeship you need to 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.

You can begin an apprenticeship in high school or after graduation.

How long does it take to complete an apprenticeship and what credential can I earn?

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.

The Interprovincial Standards Red Seal Endorsement is commonly referred to in the trades as your "ticket," because of the opportunities it opens. Earning you Red Seal enables you to work anywhere in Canada and shows to prospective employers that you are a skilled worker.

Entrance Requirements?

You must be working in the trade industry and have registered with SkilledTradesBC in order to enroll in an Apprenticeship class at UFV. NOTE: Skilled Trades BC recommends an apprentice have approximately 1,500 work based hours/per level reported by your employer prior to accepting a seat.

Reporting work based hours to Skilled Trades BC

It is the responsibility of the sponsor employer to regularly report the apprentices work-based training hours to Skilled Trades BC. These hours are essential for tracking your progress toward certification and ensuring you meet the requirements of your apprenticeship program.

Submit Hours Online via the Skilled Trades BC portal:

• log in here SkilledTradesBC Portal account
• Navigate to the Work-Based Hours section
• Select the apprentice and enter:
  • Start and end dates of the reporting period
  • Total number of hours worked
• Submit the report for processing

Keeping your hours up to date helps Skilled Trades BC and UFV support your journey and ensures timely progression through your apprenticeship levels. 

Need help? Contact Skilled Trades BC Customer Service at 1-866-660-6011.

Questions?

Email trades@ufv.ca.