If you’re thinking of entering the trades, you’ll likely have to spend some time as an apprentice. Each trade has different regulations, standards and requirements for becoming an apprentice. And often, a prerequisite for starting an apprenticeship is having some skills and experience in that trade. Once you’re done your research and taken an interest in a career in a trade, you may be faced with the challenge of not yet having the skills for an apprenticeship. One way to fill in the gap is by taking a pre-apprenticeship program.
For more information on how to get started with a career in the trades, contact us today.
Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Pre-apprenticeship training programs are designed to help people prepare for an apprenticeship and gain the necessary skills and experience to become an apprentice. The program may include a job placement, job-readiness training, health and safety training and more. Programs are offered through different organizations, colleges or community agencies, and some focus on underrepresented groups in the trades such as newcomers, women or Aboriginal peoples. Programs offered through the Ministry are free while programs offered by Ontario colleges may be at a cost.
Here are a few examples of the free pre-apprenticeship training programs available in Ontario.
Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)
OYAP is a school-to-work program for students in Grades 11 and 12 who are interested in exploring a career in the skilled trades. Through this program, students gain experience through work placements and earn co-op credits.
Women in Skilled Trades (WIST)
Women in Skilled Trades provides training opportunities for women with low incomes who are unemployed or underemployed. This program focuses on preparing women for a male-dominated work environment while giving them the skills they’ll need and making them aware of employer expectations.
George Brown College Residential Air Conditioning pre-apprenticeship training
George Brown College offers a free pre-apprenticeship program in Residential Air Conditioning for those eligible including newcomers to Canada, Aboriginal peoples, unemployed/underemployed youth and adults.