Earn While You Learn: How Apprenticeships Give Students a Leg up in the Trades

Apprenticeships can be a dream scenario. You can earn while you learn, jobs are in demand, incomes are often high. Employers and governments are eager to help students through the process with a variety of grants, resources and learning supports. EllisChart.ca shows how 320 trades are handled across the country—whether certification is available and compulsory, if apprenticeship programs exist, how many training hours are required, and so on. Would-be apprentices can thrive with a few key qualities and interests, said Jeff Ritter, CEO of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission. First and foremost, skilled tradespeople should be problem-solvers, he said. They should have a natural interest in working with their hands and being active throughout the day. They should be comfortable with math and science, as some trades use these subjects daily, he pointed out....