Skilled trades workers are in high demand across Canada. Because of the demand for their skilled labour, they:
- are paid well; and
- can usually find jobs in their trade.
The Government of Yukon’s apprenticeship program supports people in pursuing a career in the trades. Yukon’s registered apprentices:
- can learn on the job while being paid for their work; and
- have access to funding to become a certified journeyperson.
You can apply to register as an apprentice or receive certification as a journeyperson in 40 trades. The Apprentice Training Act and its Regulations set out designated trades.
(*Red Seal; +Trade group) | Levels | Hours per level | Weeks of school per level | Math entrance requirements |
Automotive Service Technician* | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Baker* | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Cabinetmaker* | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Carpenter* | 4 | 1600 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Cook* | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Electric Motor System Technician* | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Electrician (Construction)* | 4 | 1800 | 8-8-10-10 | Grade 12 |
Electrician (Industrial)* | 4 | 1800 | 8-8-10-10 | Grade 12 |
Floorcovering Installer* | 3 | 1600 | 7-0-6 | Grade 10 |
Gasfitter First Class | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Gasfitter Second Class* | 2 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Glazier* | 4 | 1800 | 6 | Grade 10 |
Hairstylist* | 2 | 1800 | 10 | Grade 10 |
Heavy Equipment & Truck & Transport Technician+ | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 11 |
Transport Trailer Technician* | 2 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 11 |
Truck and Transport Technician* | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 11 |
Heavy Duty Equipment Technician (Off Road)* | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 11 |
Industrial Instrument Mechanic* | 4 | 1800 | 8-8-10-10 | Grade 10 |
Industrial Mechanic (Millwright)* | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Machinist* | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Motor Vehicle Body Repairer (Metal and Paint)*+ | 4 | 1800 | 4-7-7-6 | Grade 10 |
Automotive Painter* | 2 | 1800 | 4-6 | Grade 10 |
Motor Vehicle Body Prepper | 2 | 1800 | 0-4 | Grade 10 |
Motor Vehicle Body Repairer | 3 | 1800 | 4-7-7 | Grade 10 |
Oil Burner Mechanic* | 3 | 1800 | 6-5-6 | Grade 10 |
Outdoor Power Equipment Technician | 3 | 1600 | 6-8-8 | Grade 10 |
Painter and Decorator* | 3 | 1600 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Partsperson* | 3 | 1800 | 6-8-6 | Grade 10 |
Plumber* | 4 | 1600 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Power System Electrician | 4 | 1800 | 7-7-8-8 | Grade 10 |
Powerline Technician* | 4 | 1800 | 7-7-7-8 | Grade 10 |
Recreation Vehicle Service Technician* | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic* | 4 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Roofer* | 3 | 1800 | 6 | Grade 10 |
Sheet Metal Worker* | 4 | 1800 | 10 | Grade 10 |
Sprinkler System Installer* | 4 | 1800 | 8-8-8-0 | Grade 10 |
Steamfitter/Pipefitter* | 4 | 1600 | 8 | Grade 10 |
Welder* | 3 | 1800 | 8 | Grade 10 |
What is the Red Seal program?
The Red Seal program sets common standards to test the skills of tradespeople across Canada. Those who pass the Red Seal exam receive a Red Seal endorsement on their territorial trade certificate. The Red Seal shows that a tradesperson has met the national standard in that trade.
Each trade has its own entrance requirements. Your guidance counsellor can help you pick the courses needed for the trade you’re interested in.
The post-secondary courses you select could be part of your credits for high school. This is sometimes called a “dual credit program”. Ask your guidance counsellor about opportunities to enrol in these courses at Yukon University while you’re attending high school.
A pre-employment program prepares you to work as a registered apprentice in a specific trade. These programs are also sometimes called “pre-apprenticeship”. The program is several months of in-school training that:
- gives you theoretical and hands-on experience in a particular trade;
- can help you choose a trade;
- can help you get employment for your apprenticeship; and
- gives you safety certifications needed for entry into the workforce.
Contact your Industrial Training Consultant if you’re:
- considering taking a pre-employment program; or
- would like to see if you’ll get any credit towards an apprenticeship.
Student financial assistance for pre-employment training
You may be eligible for funding through Student Financial Assistance while you’re taking pre-employment training at Yukon University.
If you have questions, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5929, toll free in Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5929.
For questions or to book an apprenticeship orientation meeting, email [email protected] or phone 867-667-5298 or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5298.