If you’re looking to apprentice in the skilled trades, the biggest hurdle may be finding a sponsor—a person or organization that sets you up with paid work and on-the-job mentorship.
The eligibility requirements and educational requirements for starting the apprenticeship process are straightforward. So are the steps of applying for a program and enrolling in classes.
But understanding the role of the sponsor, and making a plan to find one, can feel a bit more complicated. Here’s what you need to know.
What is a sponsor, and why do you need one?
Apprenticeship includes both a classroom component and a paid work experience component.
A sponsor is a person, business, or organization that agrees to make sure you get paid while receiving on-the-job mentorship as you learn your trade. You and your sponsor will enter into an Apprenticeship Education Agreement, which is registered with Apprenticeship and Industry Training (AIT). Your sponsor will track your progress and verify your on-the-job hours.
You can register as an apprentice and start taking classes before finding a sponsor. But you need to have an agreement with a sponsor to begin the on-the-job part of your apprenticeship.
AIT recommends finding a sponsor as soon as possible because the classroom learning can be more difficult if you don’t have any hands-on experience.
What’s the difference between a sponsor and an employer?
Your employer is the person or organization that hires you, pays you for your work, and provides on-the-job mentorship. Usually, the mentor will be a certified journeyperson.
In most cases, your sponsor is also your employer. For example, a welding shop may hire you and act as your sponsor.
But in some cases, a union, college, or other organization can sponsor you, helping you work with different employers and job sites to gain hands-on experience.
Why can it be challenging to find a sponsor?
Becoming a sponsor involves a significant investment. Your sponsor commits to providing you not only with a job but also with the training that you need as you learn your craft.
In other words, your sponsor helps cover part of your education costs. Hiring an apprentice means accepting some mistakes and lower productivity. A sponsor also runs the risk of investing resources in an apprentice who may later decide to leave. Because of this, companies are careful about choosing the apprentices they take on.
How to find a sponsor
As you seek a sponsor, keep in mind that companies want apprentices who will be a good investment for them. You need to show potential sponsors that you’re capable, responsible, and committed to the relationship.
Often this means taking a job as a helper or labourer to get your foot in the door with a company even if they don’t have a current opening for an apprentice. This gives the employer a chance to get to know you, so you’ll be in a good position when they are ready to sponsor somebody.
The same basic work search tips apply when you’re looking for a sponsor as for any kind of job.
Start networking
Networking is key to finding a job in almost any field, and an apprenticeship is no different. Contact people you know, and build new connections:
- Reach out to family, friends, and acquaintances who work in the trades or know someone who does. Referrals open doors—employers are more likely to trust a personal recommendation from someone they know.
- Attend trade events, open houses, and job fairs to learn more about the industry and connect with potential employers.
- Use online platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook groups, and forums such as r/skilledtrades or r/construction to connect with experienced tradespeople and ask questions.
- Volunteer for related work. For example, if you want to become a carpenter, consider volunteering for Habitat for Humanity to gain experience and build your network.
Apply directly to employers
Identify companies in your area—or beyond if you’re open to relocating—that hire for your chosen trade:
- Research local businesses. For example, if you want to apprentice in welding, contact metal fabrication shops or pipeline contractors. If you want to apprentice as an automotive technician, try local garages and car dealerships.
- Search online. Explore Alberta job postings and job boards like Monster, Indeed, Workopolis, and ApprenticeSearch.com.
Contact trade unions or professional associations
Connect with a local trade union or industry association and ask about job and apprenticeship opportunities. For example:
- Visit the Building Trades of Alberta website to find links to Alberta trade union locals for bricklayers, carpenters, electrical workers, elevator constructors, insulators, ironworkers, millwrights, concrete finishers, painters, plumbers and pipefitters, and sheet metal workers.
- If you want to apprentice as a boilermaker or welder, visit the Boilermaker Apprentice Agency.
- If you’re interested in refrigeration and air conditioning, try connecting with the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) or the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Association of Alberta (RAHA).
Many organizations include a list of contractors on their websites. This is a good way to identify local employers that you can try contacting directly.
Use school and training program resources
Many schools and organizations can support you in making connections and finding job placements.
- If you’re still in high school, talk to a career counsellor at your school about finding local opportunities.
- If you’re interested in taking apprenticeship training at your local post-secondary institution, contact the school’s apprenticeship coordinators to discuss options. One option may be to have NAIT potentially connect you with a future employer.
- Check your local post-secondary institution or trade unions, as well as associations and newcomer agencies for pre-apprenticeship programs that help you gain basic skills and connect with potential sponsors.
- If you’re a woman, you can contact Women Building Futures to find out about their programs and potential placement opportunities.
Be persistent
Finding a sponsor can take time. But remember, every certified tradesperson started out as an apprentice. Begin your search early and be willing to start small. Any job that gets you in the door is a chance to prove your work ethic and commitment to the trade—and show an employer why you’re a worthwhile investment.
