Training & Education
Apprenticeship and Trades Training
Skilled workers are the heartbeat of the oil and gas industry. Workers from all trades and disciplines are often needed to successfully implement oil and gas projects from start to finish. Completing an apprenticeship could be an excellent pathway to joining the industry as a skilled worker.
New apprentices see their skills and income grow because of the on-the-job and in-school technical training they receive. While they are apprentices, they earn while they learn in a partnership with their employer or sponsor and the provincial/territorial government. An apprenticeship program usually involves:
- Apprenticeship registration with a local provincial apprenticeship authority.
- Securing a job with a company willing to train and supervise apprentices.
- Successfully complete required number of months of on-the-job training.
- Successfully complete in-school technical training program at a designated college or trade school.
- Apprentices complete program requirements and pass required industry exams.
- When all steps are complete, apprentices can apply for a Certificate of Qualification* and achieve journeyperson status.
More than 200 different trades offer apprenticeship training programs in Canada. If you're interested in the professional trades, such as Crane Operators, Industrial Electricians and Machinists, an apprenticeship program might be for you. All trades offer training with the latest technologies, and will give you the skills that you need for a rewarding career in the oil and gas industry.
Red Seal Program
The Interprovincial Standard Red Seal Program standardizes trades training and certification across the provinces. These industry-driven partnerships with provincial governments are designed to meet the evolving requirements of each designated trade or occupation and maintain high industry standards. This means that a Red Seal certified worker can work anywhere in Canada that their trade is designated, and their certification will transfer.
Funding Support
Some trades may be eligible for an Apprenticeship Incentive Grant. The Apprenticeship Incentive Grant (AIG) is a taxable cash grant offered by the Government of Canada, available to registered apprentices once they have successfully completed their first or second year (level) of an apprenticeship program in one of the Red Seal trades.
Employment Insurance funding support for apprentices is also available, while they are completing the academic portion of the program. Tax credits are also offered to apprentices for their tools, equipment and supplies. Employers might also offer reimbursement for tuition, tools and supplies.
For more information about apprentice trades, visit:
- Skilled Trades Canada
- Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training
- British Columbia Industry Training Authority
- Saskatchewan Apprenticeship
- Newfoundland and Labrador Department of Education
- Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Training Division, Nova Scotia Department of Education
- Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities
Interested in a skilled trade career in the oil and gas industry? You have plenty of options:
