Power Up Your Skilled Trades Career with CUSW

As an Apprentice in the Canadian Union of Skilled Workers, you’ll enjoy the benefits our Union provides, including: good wages, a benefits and retirement plan, job security, training and education, safe workplaces, and the right to democratic participation.

Governance of our apprenticeship training program is overseen by the CUSW/Multi-Employer Apprenticeship Governance Council (AGC).  The Council's mission is to maintain a balanced approach to apprenticeship training leading to a competent, skilled and proficient journeyperson. Read more about the program below. 

Where do CUSW apprentices work?
Join apprentices working across Canada with our growing list of employer partners.

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Apprenticeship Program Governance

The CUSW/Multi-Employer Apprenticeship Governance Council (AGC) is responsible for the maintenance of our apprenticeship program. The goal is to maintain a balanced approach to apprenticeship training leading to a competent, skilled and proficient journeyperson. CUSW and our employer partners work collaboratively to oversee every apprentice throughout their apprenticeship.

Joint Training Committees

Joint Training Committees (JTC) are designated by the AGC. Joint Training Committees are responsible for carrying out the operations associated with Recruitment and Selection), Apprenticeship Operation Roles and Responsibilities, School Training, Corrective Feedback, Certificate of Qualification Process and Presentations. If you are are member of a Joint Training Committee, you can access the JTC Portal via the links below (under construction). 

JETC

Joint Electrical Training Committee

JPTC

Joint Powerline Training Committee

JITC

Joint Instrumentation Training Committee

JMTC

Joint Mechanical Training Committee

There are many great reasons to start an apprenticship in the skilled trades, here's our top 3:

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PAY

In 2014 the median journeyperson income was $63,590, 6% higher than University graduates in architecture, engineering and related technologies. 1

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DEMAND

To keep pace with demand, Canada needs approximately 350,737 new apprentice registrations between 2020 and 2024. 2

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SATISFACTION

65% of GTA Skilled Tradespersons rated their job satisfaction between 8 and 10. Satisfied workers average the longest time in their occupations. 3

1. Source: CAF-FCA, Apprentice Demand in the Top Ten Red Seal Trades: A 2019 National Labour Market Information Report, (Ottawa: CAF-FCA, 2019)  2. Source: Statistics Canada (RAIS), 2018; Prism Economics and Analysis CANTRAQ System  3. Source: Retaining Employees in the Skilled Trades, March 2019

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TESTIMONIAL

What's it like being a CUSW member?

“I can't believe the opportunities that this program has opened up for me. I kind of pinch myself sometimes. I've been on top of a reactor building, and you just stop and think about where you are. It's mind blowing.”

Jody L – CUSW Apprentice
PARTNERSHIPS
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Canadian Apprenticeship Forum
CAF-FCA is a non-profit organization that connects Canada’s apprenticeship community. Participants work collaboratively to support vibrant and innovative apprenticeship systems and policies with a view to developing a highly skilled trades workforce. Learn more
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Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario
The Aboriginal Apprenticeship Board of Ontario (AABO) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the number of Aboriginal people in the trades in Ontario. Learn more

Ready to apply?

See if you qualify to apply for an Apprenticeship on the program information page.