Learn about Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a post-secondary education program consisting of on-the-job instruction supported by your sponsor, and classroom instruction at a post-secondary institution. 

An apprenticeship education program lasts 1-4 years, depending on the program. You will learn from working professionals in the field, based on curriculum developed by industry experts.

Apprenticeship consists of two components:

1. On-the-job Instruction

  • As an apprentice, you will accumulate hours of on-the-job instruction for approximately 80 per cent of your program.
  • You will 'earn while you learn' from a mentor (a certified journeyperson or qualified individual). 
  • Your on-the-job instruction is supported by a sponsor who helps you get opportunities to learn on the job, and an employer who hires you and pays you for your work (for many apprentices, the employer and the sponsor are the same. Learn more here.).
  • You and your sponsor track your hours and the skills you have learned and practiced, and record these in your competency portfolio to submit to AIT for credit.

2. Classroom Instruction 

  • Approximately 20 per cent of your program will be completed in classrooms or labs at an approved post-secondary institution.
  • Most apprentices attend classroom instruction once a year for a period of 6-10 weeks.
  • At the end of each period, you may be required to successfully complete an examination to progress to your next period.
  • Learn more about classroom instruction here.

When you complete your apprenticeship, you will receive:

  • a journeyperson certificate, which recognizes that you are a skilled professional in your trade and allows you to legally work in the trade, using the title Journeyperson. 
  • an education credential, which is formal acknowledgement that you have completed a post-secondary program of study and reflects the amount of time you have spent learning your trade. Learn more here.