Getting Started
Meet the Requirements
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- A student must be 16 years of age and has completed Grade 10.
- A student needs to get a job in an eligible trade.
- A student must have an apprenticeship agreement with their employer and school. The HSAP Facilitator can assist with this process.
- An employer must have Workers Compensation Insurance.
- An employer and apprentice must complete HSAP safety requirements.
- Parent/guardian and school permission must be granted.
Choose a Trade
A student must have a job in order to be an apprentice. The job must be in one of Manitoba's approved Skilled Trades. In some cases students already have a job or has secured a job through their personal networks. Otherwise students need to search for a job, make contact with an employer and earn a position in a company.
If a student does not know what trade that they would like to apprentice in, they should go to the Explore Skilled Trades page and do some research. Students should be open to work in related trades if no jobs are available. For example, if you want to be an electrician and there are no available jobs, consider another construction trade. It is possible to make connections while working in a different trade that will lead you to the trade that you want to make as your goal.
If students know the trade they want, they should work toward finding a job.
Find Jobs in Your Area
- Local job classified advertisements
Sometimes the job that you want is available in a classified advertisement. Check the employment section in local papers or online resources such as the Government of Canada Job Bank.
- Find local employers in your trade
Often tradespeople and businesses do not advertise in classified ads. In this case, it is better to find and contact the businesses that may have the job you want. Check the business directory of local newspapers to find tradespeople and businesses. If you are interested in carpentry, then to go into any store such as McMunn & Yates, Co-op, etc., as business people usually leave their business cards there.
When you have contacted an employer, tell them that you are interested in finding work in a specific trade and that you would like to meet, to introduce yourself.
- Explore your network
Don't forget to ask the people around you for help. Ask your parents, relatives, neighbours and teachers if they have a personal connection to someone that is in a trade. Ask them for contact information.
- Create a resume
If you need a resume you can ask your local guidance counselor to look over your resume. Another resource is the Government of Canada Job Bank - Resume Builder.
When you meet with an employer, you should be dressed to work in that trade. Tradespeople often hire on-the-spot and will get you working right away. Bring a completed resume with you so that you can leave it with them. DO NOT leave the resume with another worker. Be sure to ask to speak to the person who does the hiring for the business.
Formalize the Apprenticeship Agreement
In order for you to get an apprenticeship as a high school student, you must contact the High School Apprenticeship Program Facilitator. The HSAP Facilitator works with the employer to register the student and business. Students become registered apprentices working with qualified mentors. Safety protocols are put in place.
The HSAP Facilitator will help you fill out the necessary forms including the Apprenticeship Agreement. An Apprenticeship Agreement is a contract between the apprentice and the company.
Begin Your Apprenticeship
The student works as an apprentice during evenings, weekends, school breaks or works together with the school to create a flexible schedule. Many HSAP apprentices also work full time in the summer.
The HSAP Facilitator meets with students and employers to assess their progress.
At the end of Grade 12, the HSAP Facilitator and students discuss possible next steps with HSAP.