Starting an Apprenticeship:

Considerations for Job Seekers using apprenticesearch.com

Landing an apprenticeship position can be difficult. Despite all the media attention concerning the impending “skills shortage", finding an apprenticeship in a skilled trade in Ontario can take considerable preparation, effort, and persistence. Many of those seeking these apprenticeships become frustrated or discouraged.

Our experience with job seekers and employers using apprenticesearch.com, indicates a large number of job seekers competing for a small number of apprenticeships in a very limited number of occupations. By contrast, a number of apprenticeships in related occupations attract much fewer job seekers. The chart below highlights those trades that are very popular with job seekers and those that have fewer applicants for your consideration. Click on the job title for a description of the role and a self-rating quiz to see if its right for you.

	Many Job Seekers	Fewer Job Seekers
Construction	Carpenter Electrician Plumber	Bricklayer Construction Craft Worker Glazier and Metal Mechanic Heavy Equipment Operator Refrigeration & AC Mechanic Roofer Sheet Metal Worker Sprinkler and Fire Protection Installer Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Setter
Motive	Auto Service Technician	Alignment and Brakes Technician Auto Body Collision and Damage Repairer Automotive Glass Technician Small Engine Technician Transmission Technician Truck and Coach Technician Truck Trailer Service Technician
Industrial	CNC Operator – Programmer Draftperson Industrial Electrician Industrial Mechanic Millwright Mould Maker Tool and Die Maker	Electrical Control Builder Fitter General Machinist Industrial Woodworker/ Cabinetmaker Machine Tool Builder Integrator Precision Metal Fabricator
Service	Appliance Service Technician Electronics Service Technician Network Cabling Specialist Telecommunications Installer & Repairer	Arborist Baker Cook Early Childhood Educator Educational Assistant Horticulturalist Pool and Hot Tub Installer

What does this mean? To enhance the chance of success, a job seeker may wish to look at other occupations within a chosen sector or consider related occupations from other sectors. Many tradespeople learn more than one trade, and often the skills demonstrated in one apprenticeship can subsequently be used in pursuit of a second apprenticeship.

For example, Pool and Hot Tub Installer apprentices learn some basic electrical and plumbing skills; these positions could be starting points for job seekers wanting to become electricians or plumbers. Industrial woodworking may be of interest to those seeking carpenter apprenticeships. A number of different motive power apprenticeships can be stepping stones to becoming an Auto Service Technician.

Our mandate at apprenticesearch.com is to create matches between employers and job seekers so that more people have an opportunity to begin a wide assortment of apprenticeships. Take advantage of your ability to search on our site for apprenticeships in a variety of different skilled trades. We are always available to provide personal assistance to job seekers - please contact one of our site administrators for current information regarding your interests and your geographic area.