Can anyone hire an apprentice?
Any employer can register an apprentice providing they meet the requirements under the Apprenticeship and Occupational Certification Act.

How much do I have to pay an apprentice?
A first year apprentice receives 50 percent of a journeyperson wage. After 900 hours of work, the rate increases to 55 percent, and so on for each subsequent 900 hours until you reach 85 percent of the journeyperson wage. At that point, the apprentice would be almost ready to achieve journeyperson status.

What is my obligation to my apprentice?
As the employer, you must provide safe working conditions. On-the-job training opportunities should be made available to the apprentice – this on-the job training must be done under the supervision/mentoring of a journeyperson. You must provide the apprentice the opportunity to attend in-school training. As the employer, you are also responsible for keeping the record of employment and of the progress the apprentice is making in mastering skills of the occupation. Finally, the employer makes a written recommendation, based on the knowledge and work experience gained by the apprentice, to have the apprentice “completed”.

The responsibilities of the employer and of the apprentice are clearly stated on the Apprenticeship Agreement signed between the employer and the apprentice.

What are the costs involved should I become involved in the apprenticeship program?
There are no outright costs for the employer to become involved in the apprenticeship program. Any costs to the employer could best be described as hidden costs. For example, since a journeyperson is required to supervise and mentor the apprentice, the planning and the supervising may affect overall production.

As the employer, am I required to pay wages to my apprentice while attending school?
No. Most employers give their apprentices a lay-off "of convenience" to attend the in-school portion of their apprenticeship program. Apprentices who are either EI clients or are eligible for EI benefits receive EI while attending school. Many are also eligible to participate in the Training and Skills Development Program. This program, commonly referred to as TSD, will assist the apprentice with a variety of expenses incurred while attending school.

How will my company benefit from the apprenticeship program?
By implementing an apprenticeship training program and hiring apprentices you are investing in your company’s future. There are many direct and indirect benefits. To name a few...

There would be fewer turnovers in staff – apprentices are committed to their trade and usually have high levels of job satisfaction. Employee motivation is often increased which in turn results in better work ethics and loyalty.Since apprentices are learning on the job, your company has employees who are fully trained and skilled and know your business from the bottom up.

Since apprentices and journeypersons usually have a thorough understanding of their occupation and the tools and equipment involved, valuable equipment is properly maintained; materials are used appropriately, thus ensuring a longer life expectancy for your equipment and materials.

You can improve the quality of your services and finished products. Having the knowledge and the skills to troubleshoot quickly and thoroughly, solve problems and identify the most efficient ways of performing a task has a direct and positive effect on cost efficiencies and customer satisfaction.

Investing in employees is investing in your company, your community and New Brunswick.