Apprenticeship programs

Participants must bring their own construction safety boots and hard hats.

Classes usually run for six hours per day, five days a week, for 10 weeks (twice in apprenticeship).

A minimum of grade 10 is required but grade 12 is preferred.

A full-time training director ensures that apprentices on the job site receive safe and effective training in all necessary skills under the supervision of experienced journeypersons. The sector-specific Local 837 business representatives also help in this regard.

Our instructors have many years of experience as journeypersons in the construction industry. All instructors are government certified tradespersons and/or college or university graduates. Instructors are evaluated and receive training to improve teaching skills.

Apprentices are taking part in employee/employer-run programs. The contractor and the union invest in the apprenticeship program together, and the programs are free to apprentices.

Local 837 typically trains hundreds of Apprentices and Journeypersons each year.

Labour-management programs provide benefits like pensions and health coverage through union membership. Apprentices are paid on an increasing wage scale, and do not pay for their education. The most important benefits, however, are the skills that an apprentice possesses upon completion of his or her apprenticeship. Apprentices receive hands-on training on the job, and technical and theoretical training in the classroom.

Apprenticeship programs take two to three years to complete as long as the apprentice is steadily employed, successfully completes the in-school training period, and fills out his or her apprenticeship logbook completely.

Apprentices are contracted to a Local Apprenticeship Committee consisting of both management and labour representatives. This committee makes recommendations on apprenticeship placement and requirements for fulfillment of the apprenticeship. Apprentices are also registered with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (formerly under the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities). The Ministry schedules in-school sessions and covers their cost. Eligible apprentices also receive employment insurance (EI) for the duration of their in-school training. In all trades, apprentices are expected to pay $400 for each in-school training period, however, the Training Trust Fund pays this fee on behalf of LIUNA Local 837 members!