Saskatchewan Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship in Saskatchewan provides hands-on training and classroom instruction, leading to journeyperson certification and optional Red Seal recognition.
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.
This is one of the many ways DC17 supports members from day one through journey status and beyond.
For details on eligibility or how to get started, contact the DC17 office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an apprentice?
You must follow a series of steps to become an apprentice, complete your training, both in-class and practical, and then receive your certification.
-
Determine what trade you want to work in
-
For a full list of designated trades in Saskatchewan, visit Designated Trades | SATCC
-
Many colleges offer pre-apprentice or pre-employment programs, which can help you gain exposure to a trade you are interested in. Depending on the program, you may also earn credits toward your first-year apprenticeship
-
-
Find an employer
-
You need to find an employer who will hire you as an apprentice in your chosen field and register your apprenticeship with Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC)
-
-
Work the required number of hours in your field through on-the-job training
-
Hours on site typically range from 1,500 to 1,600 hours per level, depending on your trade
-
-
Register for and complete technical training at a recognized training provider
-
Technical training is generally seven to eight weeks per level. Learn more about the minimum entrance requirements for technical training
-
-
Repeat steps 3 and 4 for each year required to complete your apprenticeship
-
Most apprenticeships require three to five years to complete
-
-
(Optional) After completing your final year of technical training, you’ll have obtained Journeyperson status and can challenge the Interprovincial Red Seal Exam
-
Trades certifications are governed provincially. To have your ticket recognized in other provinces, you can challenge the Red Seal exam. Obtaining your Red Seal is also beneficial even if you don’t intend on leaving the province, as it is an added mark of competency on top of your journeyperson ticket
-
Technical Training Applications
You can apply for technical training by logging into your MyATC Login - Apprenticeship Services Portal account. In it, you can view all approved technical training institutions in your trade across Saskatchewan, all dates available for technical training, and the cost of each session.
As an apprentice, you must attend technical training annually. To avoid contract cancellation, register for technical training as soon as possible once you have met your required practical hours for your level. If you have not attended technical training in the past year, your contract of apprenticeship may be cancelled.
Educational Requirements
A Grade 12 transcript (with no modified classes) or a GED 12 guarantees an applicant meets the educational entrance requirements for apprenticeship in Saskatchewan.
Individuals with “modified” or “general” classes in math or science do not meet our entry requirements.
Please note the educational requirements will vary from trade to trade. Visit Entrance Requirements for Apprenticeship Training | SATCC for a complete list of the education required for each specific trade.
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.
Apprenticeship Training Allowance (ATA)
The intention of the Apprenticeship Training Allowance (ATA) is to support apprentices who, for the purposes of attending technical training, are required to retain a second residence. The rate for apprentices whose principal residence is located in the Northern Saskatchewan Administration District will receive $250 per week. In all other cases, $200 per week applies.
Women in Trades Initiative
The Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC) has implemented a new initiative aimed at attracting women to the skilled trades and helping them achieve journeyperson certification.
From January 8, 2024, until June 30, 2026, women in eligible Red Seal trades will receive a rebate on their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition. Fees are required to be paid up front through MyATC. However, the full amount will be refunded to whoever paid the fees.
Student Awards & Tax Credits
-
Scholarships and bursaries through training institutions
-
Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program (up to $20,000)
-
Federal tax credits and deductions
Saskatchewan Graduate Retention Program (GPR)
Saskatchewan is thriving and opportunities for graduates have never been bigger. Choose to live and build your future right here in Saskatchewan and you could be eligible for a refundable income tax credit. The Graduate Retention Program (GRP) provides a tax rebate up to $20,000 to graduates that remain in Saskatchewan and file a Saskatchewan income tax return.
Employment Insurance (EI)
Unlike other post-secondary students, an apprentice can collect employment insurance (EI) while attending technical training.
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.
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.
Need Help?
For guidance on apprenticeship pathways, supports, and training requirements, contact DC17.