Decide which trade you want to pursue in your apprenticeship. More than 50 trade-specific training programs are offered in B.C. The Industry Training Authority website's Apprenticeship and Red Seal Program Listings is linked in the Resources section.
Select a program of study. As a potential apprentice, you have four options to complete apprenticeship training: employer-sponsored direct entry, a college pre-apprenticeship program, prior-learning credit and secondary school apprenticeship programs. Industry Training Authority's Go! brochure, linked in Resources, provides details of each program. Meeting with a career or guidance counselor can be beneficial; she can help you to review your options and select the program best suited for your needs and experience.
Choose a training provider. According to the website of Trades Referral Assessment, Direct Employment Strategy (T.R.A.D.E.S.), most trades require completion of four years of on-the-job training as well as formal classroom training. So it's essential that you take the time to research the various training providers and select the one that you feel best meets your needs. Industry Training Authority provides a complete list of training providers on its website, which is linked in Resources. Many training providers offer information sessions or brochures to provide more information on the programs they offer, including cost, application requirements and other essential information.