Apprenticeship Training Programs at George Brown College

Why become an Apprentice?

"With apprenticeship, you get the hands on and the theory at the same time."

Orlando Gittens
Electrical Apprenticeship Training Program, Intermediate Level

"If you don't go through the apprenticeship, you are limited to the work you can do because you are not qualified..."

Kevin Rae
Plumbing Apprenticeship Training Program
Level 1

FIND MORE INFORMATION:

Interested in obtaining a copy of George Brown's Apprenticeship video on DVD?

It's a great tool for parents, teachers and guidance counselors who are interested in gathering and sharing more information on the apprenticeship system and the boundless opportunities available for those who choose to pursue the skilled trades.

To receive a copy of George Brown Apprenticeship video, fill in our online request form.

• Apprenticeship in-school program scheduling information 2010/2011 (PDF file* opens a new window)
  
  
• Apprenticeship in-school level exemption testing (opens a new window)

Choosing a career path that is right for you involves answering a few questions. Questions like: will your choice provide you with the ability to earn a solid income? Will it offer potential growth opportunities? Will it challenge both your intellect and creativity?

It might surprise you that the world of apprenticeship training programs is one path that will offer some intriguing and perhaps unexpected answers to your questions.

• There are more that 130 skilled occupations that can be practiced through Ontario's apprenticeship training system. Chefs, educational assistants and plumbers are all defined as "skilled trades," and represent occupations that are integral to the functioning of Ontario's economy.
  
  
• Becoming an apprentice is the best way to begin on a promising career path. Skilled workers are in high demand by all kinds of industry.
  
  
• Apprentices learn a skilled occupation by combining in-school training courses with paid on-the-job training. About 90 per cent of apprenticeship training is provided in the workplace by an employer, while the remainder involves in-school instruction at a training institution like George Brown.
  

Why choose George Brown College?

• Expert, experienced journeyperson teachers
• Extensive lab and shop facilities
• Flexible training options - full-time five days per week, one-day per week, or weekends and evenings
• Credit for work experience and previous education

HOW LONG DO APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAMS LAST?

Most apprenticeships last two to five years, with most time spent on a work site.

In general, it is best to have a minimum of Grade 12 for most skilled occupations. Apprentices must be at least 16 years old.

There are three ways to become an apprentice:

1. an applicant can find an employer who is willing to train
   
   
2. enroll in a pre-apprenticeship program like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) through their secondary school; or
   
   
3. apply to a co-op diploma apprenticeship program through George Brown College.
   
   The only Coop Diploma Apprenticeship/Post Secondary program currently available at George Brown College is T159 HRAC Coop Diploma Apprenticeship which starts fall 2009. Students must be registered in T160 Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician Program in order to apply and be selected for T159. T160 is currently full with a waiting list. (Updated July 29, 2009)

People who want to become apprentices usually apply directly to employers, unions or joint apprenticeship training committees for the trade they are interested in.

HOW DO I REGISTER?

Apprentices are registered by the regional office of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities Workplace Training Branch. Unless you are in a pre-apprenticeship program or a co-apprenticeship program, you cannot register for an apprenticeship at George Brown. You or your future employer can call the regional office and ask one of the training consultants to visit your workplace. The consultant will make sure that you both understand what apprenticeship is all about.

Apprenticeship Application for Admission form (pdf*)

Please note you must be registered with the Ministry and must attach a copy of your Offer of Classroom Training with this application form and payment for in person and faxed applications. Seats are available on a first come first serve basis.

HOW CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON THE "IN-SCHOOL COMPONENT" OF APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING?

Call 416-415-5000 ext. 4028 or ext. 4023.

Follow the links below for information on George Brown College Apprenticeship Training Programs:

• Baker / Patissier Apprenticeship
• Carpenter Apprenticeship
• Construction & Maintenance Electrician Apprenticeship
• Construction & Maintenance Millwright Apprenticeship
• Cook Apprenticeship
  • Download Cook Apprenticeship Brochure (pdf*)
• Education Assistant Apprenticeship Certificate
• Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) Apprenticeship
• Plumber Apprentice
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprentice
• Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprentice
• Sheet Metal Worker Apprenticeship
• Steamfitter Apprentice
• Tool & Die Maker Apprentice

IN THE NEWS:

McGuinty Government Help Abused and At-risk Women Get Jobs. New Skills Training Program Lays Foundation For Economic Independence, News Release, November 20, 2006

Minister Responsible for Women's Issues Sandra Pupatello today announced a new $4 million training program that will help vulnerable women develop new skills, find employment, and achieve economic independence.

George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto is delivering one of the programs, a residential air conditioning systems mechanic training program being offered in partnership with Direct Energy Essential Home Services and Nellie's Shelter.

Apprenticeship Funding Announcement, June 16, 2004

On June 16, the Hon. Mary Anne Chambers, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, visited George Brown College to announce a $21-million funding initiative for apprenticeship training in Ontario.

"The skilled trades are very attractive career options," she said. "Apprenticeship provides opportunities for training and certification to enable individuals to pursue these very rewarding careers."

• Read the article about Apprenticeship Funding Announcement at George Brown College
  
  
• Look at the pictures from the apprenticeship funding announcement at George Brown College (opens a new window)

Apprenticeship programs get $18M from province, from Toronto Star, Apr. 13, 2004

Premier Dalton McGuinty's $18-million bid to make Ontario's workforce a North American powerhouse won't be enough to stave off a looming skilled labour shortage that has dire consequences for the province's economy, critics warned today. [Read the article...]

Note: .pdf files require Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print them. If you don't have Acrobat Reader, you can get it here free.

Revised: February 11, 2010