What is an Apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a training program where you learn a trade by working and going to school at the same time. You work for an employer as an apprentice and learn hands-on skills while earning money.
Apprentices spend most of the year working full-time to build experience, then take classes for about 8 to 12 weeks to learn more from skilled instructors.
Most apprenticeships take between two and five years to finish, giving you the knowledge and experience to start a successful career in your trade.
Choose Your Path to Apprenticeship
Pre-Apprenticeship
Fanshawe offers pre-apprenticeship programs for people who want to get ready for an apprenticeship, improve their skills, or finish the education needed to start a trade.
College Certificate or Diploma
Employers look for people who bring skills and value to their team. Fanshawe graduates with certificates or diplomas show they have the training, knowledge, and commitment to succeed. Many students find work after graduating, and some continue learning as registered apprentices while they work.
Register as an Apprentice
Start working right away and learn your trade through hands-on experience and classroom lessons. You’ll need an employer sponsor who helps you train on the job, while college instructors teach you the skills and knowledge to grow in your career.
How to Register as An Apprentice
01
Find out if you qualify
- Be at least 16 years of age
- Have legal permission to work in Canada
- Meet the educational requirements for your chosen trade
- Have an employer sponsor in Ontario
02
Find an employer sponsor
An employer sponsor can be a single employer, an individual (contractor), or a group of employers (union) that provides you with apprenticeship training.
Community/Online Resources
- Guidance Counsellors
- Ontario Job Bank
- Apprentice Search
- Union for trade associations
03
Register as an Apprentice
If you have secured an employer sponsor, it is time to register for your apprenticeship.
When completing your application, choose Fanshawe College as your school of preference for in-class training.
If you are 18 years or older
- Register online through the Skilled Trades Ontario Online Portal
If you are 16 to 17 years old
- Download and fill out the paper application
- Print and sign the application as well as a signature from a parent or guardian
- Mail (or in-person) the completed and signed application to your local Employment Ontario office
04
Register for a Fanshawe Apprenticeship Program
After you have received your approved application and it has been signed by you and your employer sponsor, you must wait until an offering for your program is available at Fanshawe.
To register, you must be a registered apprentice and receive an email or letter from MLITSD with a classroom offer for your in-school training.
How to Register
- Monitor your inbox for an email from the Ministry offering you to register your apprenticeship with Fanshawe
- View open apprenticeship offerings and find your program
- Click "Register Now"
- Select the class on WebAdvisor and click "Register Now"
- Fill out the form and click "Submit"
- Pay for the class
Congratulations, you are now registered for an Apprenticeship program. Monitor your inbox for a confirmation email from Fanshawe.
05
What's Next
- Prior to the start of classes, you will receive additional information regarding your class schedule and other information.
- Explore Fanshawe Services
Apprenticeship Fees
Below you will find a breakdown of fees that are associated with each apprenticeship program. Apprenticeship fees are comprised of ministry classroom fees, program-specific fees and ancillary fees.
2025/2026 Fees
| Program - Block Release | Ministry Classroom Fee | Program Specific Fee | Ancillary Fees | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Equipment Technician | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer* | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Automotive Service Technician* | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Electrician - Construction and Maintenance* | $500 | $275 | $103.93 | $878.93 |
| General Carpenter* | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| General Machinist | $400 | $350 | $83.15 | $833.15 |
| Horticultural Technician | $600 | $275 | $83.15 | $958.15 |
| Industrial Electrician | $500 | $275 | $103.93 | $878.93 |
| Industrial Mechanic Millwright* | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $833.15 |
| Plumber* | $400 | $350 | $83.15 | $833.15 |
| Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Truck and Coach Technician* | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Sheet Metal Worker* | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Welder | $500 | $350 | $103.93 | $953.93 |
| Program - Day Release | Ministry Classroom Fee | Program Specific Fee | Ancillary Fees | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Service Technician | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Childhood Development Practitioner | Ministry Classroom Fee is calculated at $1.66 per reportable subject course hours Eg: Child Development 1 (ECED-1030) 42 hours | $30 per course | $12.47 per course | $112.19 |
| Cook | $600 | $350 | $103.93 | $1,053.93 |
| Developmental Services Worker | Ministry Classroom Fee is calculated at $1.66 per reportable subject course hours Eg: Health & Wellness (HLTH-1155) 45 hours | $30 per course | $12.47 per course | $117.17 |
| General Machinist | $400 | $350 | $83.15 | $833.15 |
| Hairstylist | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $833.15 |
| Industrial Mechanic Millwright | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $833.15 |
| Institutional Cook | $600 | $350 | $103.93 | $1,053.93 |
| Tool and Die Maker | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
| Truck and Coach Technician | $400 | $275 | $83.15 | $758.15 |
*An additional fee of $50 is applicable for programs including mandatory exam prep in level 3.
Need Support
The Don Crich Skilled Trades Accelerator is here to help. Access the resources and guidance you need to succeed in your trade and complete your apprenticeship with confidence.
In the General Carpenter Apprentice program, I learned both hands-on, practical skills and theoretical aspects of the trade. It was an easy transition from classroom to shop as we applied the theories learned in the class to the projects completed in the shop. Taught by trade experienced instructors, I completed my program and was prepared to work, becoming a licensed Red Seal Carpenter employed by a prominent construction company.
- Scott Culliton,
Red Seal Carpenter, General Carpenter Apprentice
Apprenticeship Offerings
The apprenticeship offerings listed below are available for registration through WebAdvisor. You can also view the upcoming intake table to see future intakes.
Agricultural Equipment Technician - John Deere Ag Tech - Level 3
Start date:
February 02, 2026
End date:
April 24, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-JDA23
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150489
Trade Code:
425A
Fees:
$2,366.37
Agricultural Equipment Technician - Level 2
Start date:
March 09, 2026
End date:
May 01, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-FET22
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150521
Trade Code:
425A
Fees:
$758.15
Agricultural Equipment Technician - Level 3
Start date:
January 05, 2026
End date:
February 27, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-FET23
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150522
Trade Code:
425A
Fees:
$758.15
Automotive Service Technician - Level 3
Start date:
March 09, 2026
End date:
May 08, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-AST53
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1153030
Trade Code:
310S
Fees:
$808.15
Brick and Stone Mason - Level 2
Start date:
January 05, 2026
End date:
March 06, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-BMA12
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150478
Trade Code:
401A
Fees:
$483.15
Electrician (Construction and Maintenance) - Level 1
Start date:
January 19, 2026
End date:
March 20, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-ELA61
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1153026
Trade Code:
309A
Fees:
$358.15
Electrician (Construction and Maintenance) - Level 2
Start date:
January 19, 2026
End date:
March 20, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-ELA62
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1153027
Trade Code:
309A
Fees:
$828.93
General Machinist - Level 2
Start date:
March 09, 2026
End date:
May 01, 2026
Location:
St. Thomas
Course:
CTRL-GMC2S2
Section:
ST
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150516
Trade Code:
429A
Fees:
$833.15
Hairstylist Apprentice - Level 2
Start date:
February 23, 2026
End date:
July 06, 2026
Location:
Woodstock
Course:
CTRL-HSA1W2
Section:
WC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150529
Trade Code:
332A
Fees:
$758.15
Horticultural Technician Apprentice - Level 1
Start date:
January 05, 2026
End date:
March 27, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-HTA21
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150467
Trade Code:
441C
Fees:
$358.15
Industrial Mechanic - Millwright - Level 1
Start date:
January 05, 2026
End date:
February 27, 2026
Location:
St. Thomas
Course:
CTRL-IMA3S1
Section:
ST
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150531
Trade Code:
433A
Fees:
$358.15
Industrial Mechanic - Millwright - Level 2
Start date:
March 02, 2026
End date:
April 24, 2026
Location:
St. Thomas
Course:
CTRL-IMA3S2
Section:
ST
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1153034
Trade Code:
433A
Fees:
$758.15
Plumbing Apprentice - Level 2
Start date:
March 02, 2026
End date:
April 24, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-PLA22
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150493
Trade Code:
306A
Fees:
$833.15
Plumbing Apprentice - Level 3
Start date:
March 02, 2026
End date:
May 01, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-PLA23
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150491
Trade Code:
306A
Fees:
$883.15
Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic Apprentice - Level 2
Start date:
January 05, 2026
End date:
February 27, 2026
Location:
Woodstock
Course:
CTRL-RAS1W2
Section:
WC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150515
Trade Code:
313D
Fees:
$758.15
Sheet Metal Apprentice - Level 1
Start date:
January 05, 2026
End date:
February 27, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-SMA21
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150569
Trade Code:
308A
Fees:
$358.15
Sheet Metal Apprentice - Level 2
Start date:
March 02, 2026
End date:
April 24, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-SMA22
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1150482
Trade Code:
308A
Fees:
$758.15
Truck and Coach Technician - Level 3
Start date:
March 09, 2026
End date:
May 08, 2026
Location:
London
Course:
CTRL-TCT43
Section:
LC
Delivery:
Ministry Class Number:
1153031
Trade Code:
310T
Fees:
$808.15
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become an apprentice?
Please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship for more information.
First, find a job in the trade you want. If your employer agrees to accept you as an apprentice, you or your employer will contact the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD).
You may also ask for an Application for Apprenticeship training to be emailed to you by calling the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development – Local Apprenticeship Office nearest you.
Upon becoming registered as an apprentice, you can print off the Training Standards Book from the Skilled Trades Ontario site: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/about-trades/trades-information/ to record your learning and training hours as applicable. The date of the contract establishes your schooling seniority date. Apprenticeship is part work (on the job) and part school. Selection for school is based on the date you signed as an apprentice.
Please note: The Ontario College of Trades has ceased operations and has been replaced by Skilled Trades Ontario. Stay up-to-date with skilled trades and apprenticeship system changes at the following link https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca.
I can’t find an employer, is there someone at Fanshawe who can help?
Fanshawe College has three Employment Ontario offices to help those who are out of work, school or training. Their services are free. To access services call:
In London:
Community Employment Services Fanshawe
Nelson Plaza, 155 Clarke Rd at 519-432-1220
431 Richmond Street (2nd floor, entrance off Carling) 519-452-4430 x6501.
In Simcoe:
Fanshawe Community Career and Employment Services, Unit 2, 5 Queensway E. 519-428-1135 x430.
In St. Thomas:
Fanshawe Career and Employment Services, 417 Wellington St., 519-637-9876.
In Aylmer:
Fanshawe Career and Employment Services, 20 Talbot St. East, 226-210-6800.
There are also websites you can access to help you connect with employers:
https://www.fanshawec.ca/careerservices
http://www.theapprenticeshipnetwork.com/
http://www.apprenticesearch.com/
Where can I get more information?
Start with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) website: http://www.tcu.gov.on.ca/eng/
You can also reach your Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, local Apprenticeship Office by phone:
Toll free within Ontario 800-387-5514
London: 800-265-1050 or 519-675-7788
Chatham: 800-214-8284 or 519-354-2766
Kitchener: 866-877-0099 or 519-653-5758
Sarnia: 800-363-8453 or 519-542-7705
Windsor: 800-663-5609 or 519-973-1441
Office of the Registrar, Apprentice Registration
519-452-4277
apprentice@fanshawec.ca
When will my classroom training start?
Once you become an apprentice, you will receive an Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry inviting you to attend in-school training at the times specified in your offer. If you haven’t received an offer, have moved or changed employers please advise the Office of the Registrar, Apprentice team at apprentice@fanshawec.ca and your employment and training consultant at the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development 519-675-7788, located at 72-1200 Commissioners Road East, London.
How do I defer my Offer of Classroom training?
You can defer your offer of classroom training by contacting the Apprentice team, Office of the Registrar at apprentice@fanshawec.ca or directly to the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. You will be placed on the Ministry waiting list for a future offer to school.
I forgot to confirm my Offer of Classroom Training. What do I do now as it starts soon?
In order to secure a seat for your class you must pay the classroom fee included in your offer. To register click on the link included in your Offer of Classroom Training under ‘Register and Pay’ or by contacting the Office of the Registrar at 519-452-4277. Seats are filled on a first come first served basis so it is very important to register as soon as you can.
How much does an apprenticeship program cost?
The Ministry classroom fee is approximately $400-$600 per level. Ancillary Fees (approx. $80 - $155) and Program-Specific Fees (approx. $200 - $350) per level also apply.
*Ancillary Fees– Ancillary Fees are fees which students pay in addition to tuition fees and are established following the guidelines of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. Learn more about ancillary fees.
*Program-Specific Fees – Program general expenses are fees students are required to pay in addition to tuition and ancillary fees and are specific to apprenticeship program costs.
Is there financial support available for apprenticeships?
What do I need from high school to be eligible?
Find more information at https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship.
What is the age requirement to become an apprentice?
To find out how to qualify and apply for an apprenticeship. There are different requirements when applying for ages 16 to 17 years or if you are 18 years of age and older. Please visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship for more information.
How many years is the training?
Apprenticeship training can take up to four years to complete (both on-the-job training with an employer and in-class training requirements).
Do I have to buy tools and other things for the apprenticeship?
Find more information at https://www.ontario.ca/page/start-apprenticeship.
What is day release vs block release?
Day release training is attending school part-time, one day per week for approximately eight months to complete your level of training.
Block release training is attending school full-time for an 8 to 12-week period to complete your level of training.
How do I receive offers to Fanshawe College?
If you would like to receive offers for in-class training to Fanshawe College you must contact your employment and training consultant at the Ministry to request your school preferences to be updated to Fanshawe College.
Who do I contact about EI?
Some apprentices can obtain Employment Insurance while in school full time (block release). Any questions relating to EI should be directed to your employment and training consultant at the Ministry.
Do you offer challenge exams?
Fanshawe College offers challenge exams for some trades. Please contact the Test Centre at 519-452-4166 or email at testcentre@fanshawec.ca. They will be happy to assist you with any questions that you may have, as well as exam exemption scheduling. Please note: exam exemption testing may not be available due to COVID-19 restrictions at this time.
Are there supports for apprentices while attending in-class training?
Some supports we provide include: Advising Resources, Counselling and Accessibility Services, Career, Co-op and Employment and more! Visit our website to learn more. Visit www.fanshawec.ca/hereforyou.