Apprenticeship Guide
Compare Apprenticeship Programs
Duration, wages, and requirements across trades and provinces
3-5 Years
Avg Duration
$18-25/hr
Starting Wage
6-10 Weeks
School/Year
$35-55/hr
Journey Wage
Trade Apprenticeship Comparison
| Trade | Duration | Hours | School | Start Wage | Journey Wage | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 4-5 years | 9,000 hours | 8-10 weeks/year | $18-22/hr | $35-50/hr | Very High |
| Plumber | 4-5 years | 9,000 hours | 8-10 weeks/year | $17-21/hr | $32-48/hr | Very High |
| HVAC Technician | 4 years | 7,200 hours | 6-8 weeks/year | $16-20/hr | $30-45/hr | High |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3-4 years | 5,400-7,200 hours | 4-6 weeks/year | $20-25/hr | $35-55/hr | High |
| Millwright | 4 years | 7,200 hours | 8 weeks/year | $20-24/hr | $38-52/hr | High |
| Welder | 3-4 years | 5,400-7,200 hours | 6-8 weeks/year | $18-23/hr | $32-55/hr | High |
| Carpenter | 4 years | 7,200 hours | 6-8 weeks/year | $16-20/hr | $28-42/hr | High |
| Ironworker | 3-4 years | 5,400-6,000 hours | 6-8 weeks/year | $20-25/hr | $38-55/hr | Moderate |
Provincial Highlights
Alberta
+15-25%
Highest wages, oil & gas focus, strong union presence
Heavy Equipment
Electrician
Welder
Millwright
British Columbia
+10-15%
Construction boom, LNG projects, high cost of living
Electrician
Plumber
HVAC
Carpenter
Ontario
Baseline
Largest market, diverse industries, strong unions
Electrician
Plumber
Millwright
HVAC
Saskatchewan
+5-10%
Mining & agriculture focus, lower cost of living
Heavy Equipment
Electrician
Welder
Apprenticeship Success Tips
Getting Started
- • Research demand in your province before committing
- • Consider pre-apprenticeship programs for head start
- • Join union hiring halls for consistent work
- • Network at job fairs and trade shows
- • Get safety tickets (First Aid, WHMIS) before applying
During Your Apprenticeship
- • Track all your hours meticulously
- • Ask questions — journeymen expect it from apprentices
- • Study for technical training before it starts
- • Build relationships with multiple journeymen
- • Stay current on code changes and new technology