Perhaps the word “Apprentice” brings up memories of a reality show starring a certain U.S. presidential candidate, but it shouldn’t. Apprentices are at the core of the trades in British Columbia, and indeed throughout Canada. Current apprentices will be tomorrow’s highly skilled tradespeople, responsible for building the roads we drive on, constructing the buildings we live and work in, and repairing the services we can’t live without.
About 90 percent of apprenticeship training happens on the job site, allowing apprentices to earn money while they learn their trade. According to a recent story from Media Planet’s Industry and Business, “Apprenticeships and other hands-on post-secondary programs serve the construction industry by providing an optimum balance between theory and hands-on experience.” Not only do apprentices learn the actual skills they will need throughout their career, they also learn teamwork and communication skills that will serve them throughout their lives.
Now is the time to start your apprenticeship; as the baby boomer population ages they will start looking to retirement, and their jobs will need to be filled. There are tons of opportunities available, whether you want to be a carpenter, welder, heavy equipment operator, plumber, or any other trade. Want to learn more about becoming an apprentice? We’d love to help! Contact us today to start the conversation.
You can also read more about the importance of apprenticeships here.