Manitoba Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship combines workplace training with technical education, leading to recognized journeyperson certification and improved long-term career opportunities.

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This page outlines how apprenticeship works in Manitoba and where to find additional resources.

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Your Training Is an Investment - and We Invest in You

As a Union member of IUPAT District Council 17, your apprenticeship training is supported. Apprentices working for signatory contractors within DC17 have their tuition covered, as outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. That means you can focus on learning your trade, advancing your skills, and earning a living without taking on unnecessary student debt.

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This is one of the many ways DC17 supports members from day one through journey status and beyond.

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For details on eligibility or how to get started, contact the DC17 office.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I become an apprentice?

The apprentice and journeyperson designations recognize the skills that you have as a tradesperson. Completing an apprenticeship means achieving journeyperson status. This comes with credentials, recognition of your skills across Canada, and access to higher wage rates.

The apprenticeship process includes both on-the-job training and in-school technical training. On-the-job hours are a prerequisite for attending in-school training. Click here to learn more about your trade.
 
Because on-the-job experience is part of the apprenticeship process, you need the approval of your employer to start an apprenticeship. To start the process, talk to your employer about your interest in becoming an apprentice and get their approval. 

Visit the government of Manitoba’s Apprenticeship Manitoba site for more information on all aspects of apprenticeship training and to start the application process. You can also check out this registration checklist available for free!

Set up an AccessManitoba account to allow you to register and manage your apprenticeship online. 

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Completing an apprenticeship leads to journeyperson certification, which provides recognized credentials across Canada.

Key steps include:

• Employer approval to begin an apprenticeship

• Registration with Apprenticeship Manitoba

• Completion of on-the-job training and in-school technical training

On-the-job hours are required before attending technical training.

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Educational Requirements

Part of the application process is providing Apprenticeship Manitoba with your education history. The application form has space for you to fill in your Grade 12 transcript. 

If you have not completed Grade 12, you can still apply as an Access Program Trainee, and Apprenticeship Manitoba will work with you to assess your ability to complete the technical training requirements. 

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Click here to learn more about the fees associated with apprenticeship in Manitoba. Including information on if you need to have any pre-apprenticeship education or training accessed as prior learning experience.

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Applicants must provide their education history as part of the registration process.

• A Grade 12 transcript is commonly used

• Individuals without Grade 12 may apply as Access Program Trainees, where eligibility is assessed individually

 

Fees and credit options vary and should be confirmed with Apprenticeship Manitoba.

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Technical Training

Each year, Apprenticeship Manitoba publishes a calendar of the coming year’s training. You need to choose the section for your trade that works for you. Some things you may want to consider are whether you want to be in school during the coldest months of the year, and whether there are seasonal slowdowns when it is better to be in school.

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Click here for the up-to-date calendar dates.

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Each year, Apprenticeship Manitoba publishes a technical training calendar. Apprentices select training dates that best align with work schedules and personal needs.

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Financial Supports

Canada Apprentice Loan

Apprentices registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program can receive up to $4,000 in Canada Apprentice Loans per period of technical training. You can receive these loans for up to five periods of technical training. Your loan will be interest-free for up to six years as long as you are confirmed as being registered in a Red Seal trade apprenticeship program. You do not have to make any loan payments while your loan is in interest-free status.

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Student Awards

Training institutions may offer scholarships or bursaries. Check with your school for details.

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Employment Insurance (EI)

Unlike other post-secondary students, an apprentice can collect employment insurance (EI) while attending technical training.

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You can apply for EI online no more than seven days before your last day of work. You will need an employment insurance reference code to access the apprentice application form. You will find this code on your registration confirmation letter.

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Be aware that you may not receive EI payments for up to four to six weeks after you start classes. Plan to have alternative financial arrangements in place during this time.

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Additional Supports

Financial Assistance for Indigenous Apprentices (First Nations, Metis, Inuit or non-status)

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The government of Manitoba pays for the first $4,200 (approximately) of tuition for reach level for most apprentices. Additional provincial supports include:

• Living allowances

• Lodging supports for apprentices who live outside of Winnipeg or northern training centres

• Travel and commuting reimbursements for apprentices who travel to training centres

• Transit reimbursements for apprentices who get to training centres taking public transit

• Childcare subsidies for apprentices who require childcare while taking technical training

 

Your case management worker at Apprenticeship Manitoba will work with you to access these supports.

 

Also includes:

• Apprenticeship Manitoba Bursary
  Must be a current apprentice with demonstrated financial need who has completed year one of technical training.

• Tim McLean Memorial Bursary Application
  An Indigenous* apprentice with a demonstrated financial need, who has completed year one of technical training.

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*Indigenous ancestry including First Nations, Non-Status, Métis, Inuit

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Tax Deductions for Apprentices

• Tradesperson’s Tool Deduction
  Annual deduction to help cover the cost of new tools necessary to their trade. Applies to tools acquired in excess of $1,000.

• Tuition Tax Credit
  Tax credit available to apprentices for tuition and examination fees where it’s required to attend or complete to obtain a professional status.

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Find out more about tax deductions through the CRA here.

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Need Help?

Contact DC17 for support navigating apprenticeship registration, training schedules, and available resources.