What does the DPT apprenticeship program cover?
If you would like to look at what is involved in the training please visit the DairyProBC website for program details. You can also view the DPT Program Profiles and Program Outlines which provide information on the DPT apprenticeship program.
How long does it take to complete the apprenticeship?
Both the DPT 1 & 2 programs include in-school technical training of approximately 150 hours (5 weeks) and work-based training of 1000 hours.
It generally takes one to two years per program to complete the in-school technical training and the required workplace training hours.
How long is the technical training?
The DPT1 in-school technical training takes to complete and is delivered in modules of one to two weeks in length.
Upon completion of the in-school technical training, the apprentice writes a Certificate of Qualification exam which they must pass with a mark of 70% or better.
Once the workplace hours are completed and reported to ITA by the sponsor, a Certificate of Apprenticeship and a Certificate of Qualification are issued.
The anticipated schedule for the delivery of DPT 1 for 2010/11 is noted below:
- Nov 1 to 12, 2010 (no class on Nov 11 – Remembrance Day)
- Jan 10 to 14, 2011
- Feb 7 to 11, 2011
- Feb 28 to March 4, 2011
Where is technical training offered?
The technical training for DPT 1 is offered at the state-of-the-art dairy facility at the UBC Dairy Education & Research Centre in Agassiz BC. The training is delivered by veterinarians from the highly recognized DairySMART/Greenbelt Veterinary Services.
What is the cost of tuition?
The cost of tuition has not been finalized but students should budget $1000 for tuition and materials for the DPT 1 training program.
Are there tax benefits for apprentices?
Yes, there are several grants and tax benefits available to apprentices – starting at $1000 per completed level. Click here to learn more about these benefits.
Do I need a sponsor to become an apprentice?
Yes. An apprentice in an industry training program works under the supervision of a certified tradesperson or ITA approved sponsor. Therefore, to be an apprentice in BC, and to be eligible for apprenticeship benefits you are required to have a sponsor. If you are already working in the industry, your employer can be your sponsor provided they are an ITA approved sponsor.
What if I don't have a sponsor?
To register as an apprentice in BC, and to be eligible for apprenticeship benefits you are required to have a sponsor. Apprentices are expected to establish a relationship with a sponsor prior to applying for registration with the ITA. We suggest you contact: _____ or visit local farms to find a sponsor wishing to take on an apprentice. You can also visit the dairyprobc.com website for other tips on locating a sponsor.
How do I register?
Registration in an apprenticeship program is a two step process. First you will need to register with the Industry Training Authority of BC (ITA) to be recognized as an apprentice and to get your trade worker identification number.
If you are currently working and have an employer/sponsor, contact the ITA Customer Service or log onto the ITA website and download the Apprentice Trainee Guide (Apps & Trainees) which will outline the steps to take.
Once you have registered with the ITA, you will need to register with the institution at which you will be completing your technical training. In the case of DPT, you will need to register with DairySMART/Greenbelt Veterinary Services.
I have been in this industry for a long time, can I challenge the Certificate of Qualification exam?
If you have over 5,400 hours of direct work experience in milk production you can apply to challenge the C of Q exam by completing and submitting the Challenge Application available on the ITA website.
I have been working on a dairy farm for 5 years, can I claim those hours?
If you have been working in dairy milk production for over 5 years, and an employer can attest to those hours, you can claim the hours by completing a Prior-Work Based Training Application. This can be found on the ITA website under Dairy Production Technician trade.
