Pre-apprenticeship programs and other opportunities.
It can be difficult to begin an apprenticeship especially if you no longer qualify for OYAP. The programs below are not affiliated with OYAP in the TDSB but are a great place to begin if you need support with training and finding an employer.
COLLEGE PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING
The Tomorrow’s Trades program presents pathways for motivated individuals and equips them with the construction sector essential skills they need to become high-quality apprentices. Their goal is to recruit and prepare candidates that are traditionally underrepresented in the skilled trades, including women, indigenous youth, black youth, persons with disabilities, newcomers, at-risk youth, returning veterans, reservists, cadets, and those from racialized communities.
Union Electrical Apprenticeship
Enter into the IBEW (Electrical Union) through this program. Apprenticeships in 309A - Construction and Maintenance Electrician, 631A Network Cabling Specialist and Low Rise Residential Electrician.
Ground Arborist Training Program
Training includes hands-on, workplace-based technical and soft skills development in the following areas:
Skills and tools of the trade
Health and safety training
Science of Arboriculture
Field operations and practices
Paid industry work placement
The Hammer Heads Program was created by the Central Ontario Building Trades (COBT) in 2009 to support at-risk youth. It's a skill and employment-based training program within the construction industry offering apprenticeship career opportunities to the youth of under-resourced neighbourhoods in our communities.
Building Up’s pre-apprenticeship program is a 16 week paid training program that uses construction contracts and in-class training to prepare individuals facing barriers to employment for successful careers in the trades. Participants are paid $15.50 per hour for the 16 weeks and are required to be available from Monday to Friday between 7:30 AM to 4:00PM for the duration of the program. Our 16 week program is divided into 2 sections: 8 weeks of in-class training and 8 weeks of in the field work experience.
Quick Start in Construction is a pre-apprenticeship program that prepares those who want to work in construction trades to get ready with basic requirements and certifications, including Working at Heights, Elevated Work Platforms, WHMIS and Workplace Violence and Harassment.
The NexGEN Builders Mentorship program supports Black, Indigenous and newcomer communities, with priority for women and youth, who are in the process of preparing for work or who have been recently employed as apprentices or professionals in the construction industry.
Help with streamlining the apprenticeship pathway by working with apprentices, and their employers to help modernize the skilled trades. Apprenticeship applications in the construction and industrial sectors.
Brick and Stone Mason
This 18 week program provides basic theory and hands-on training for the brick and stone masonry field and introduction to refractory and restoration. There is an additional PAID WORK PLACEMENT included in the program, where students will be temporarily matched with an employer in the masonry industry for a minimum of 8 weeks.
Create awareness about the numerous career opportunities in the construction industry by hosting Speak Outs, an annual Day of Discovery, and by offering Job Shadowing experiences.
Scholarship, mentorship and training opportunities for under-resourced youth wishing to pursue a training in construction.
Miziwe Biik provides the Greater Toronto Area’s Aboriginal community with training initiatives and employment services. Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in construction trades.
Tile Setter Pre-Apprenticeship
YWCA Toronto has partnered with the Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Training School (TTMTS), and the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to bring you a unique, women-only pre-apprenticeship training program to become a commercial Terrazzo, Tile and Marble setter.
ACCES offers sector specific training and essential skills programs designed to support jobseekers interested in a career in the trades. The program will increase your knowledge about apprenticeships and employment opportunities in the construction and manufacturing industries.
Automotive Service Technician Pre-Apprenticeship
Tuition-free transportation program that's funded by the Government of Ontario and designed as a transition step to finding an apprenticeship.
Truck and Coach Technician Pre-Apprenticeship
During the tuition-free, Government of Ontario-funded offering, you'll prepare to work in the trucking industry, earn Level 1 apprenticeship training, receive assistance in finding a short-work placement, and get on-the-job experience in Canada.
Electrician Technician Pre-Apprenticeship
Program participants will receive Level 1 electrician training (309A) (240 hours of training on electrical code, theory, and installation from Centennial College), health and safety training, tools and PPE, and an 8—12 week paid work placement.
Industrial Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship
32-week training (Including an 8-week placement)
8-Weeks of Academic Upgrading and Workplace Culture & Skills Training Preparation
14-Weeks Level 1 Industrial Mechanic Millwright (433A)
1-Week of a Secondary Trade (Welding)
8-Weeks of Placement
Cook Pre-Apprenticeship
32-week training (Including an 8-week placement)
8-Weeks of Academic Upgrading and Workplace Culture & Skills Training Preparation
14-Weeks Level 1 Cook Pre-Apprenticeship (415A)
1-Week of a Secondary Trade (Baking)
8-Weeks of unpaid Placement
Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship
Tuition-free Level 1 program funded by the Government of Ontario that is designed as a transition step to finding an apprenticeship.
TradeLinx is a twelve-week sector-focused pre-apprenticeship training program for Ontario Works (OW) recipients who are interested in a career in the skilled trades/construction industry. The program provides 28 participants per year with knowledge about the building trades and exposes them to working in the construction industry. Designed specifically to address the employment barriers of discrimination, poor social capital, low education achievement, minimal work experience, and personal instability, participants receive one-on-one support in exploring their options in the construction trades, establishing training plans, and pursuing apprenticeships in their desired trade.
General Machinist Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
Sheridan's 24-week program provides FREE hands-on training and paid on-the-job experience to help you secure an apprenticeship as a general machinist.
Child Development Practitioner/ECE
This specially designed 10-month program will provide you with the opportunity to earn your Grade 12 equivalency, study Early Childhood Education subjects and participate in a work placement – all free of charge. After successful completion of this program, you will be able to continue your studies in the ECE diploma or Child Development Practitioner Apprenticeship programs.
Auto Body & Collision Damage Repairer
The Auto Body and Collision Damage Repairer 310B Pre-Apprenticeship L-1 Program is tuition-free, as it is funded by the Government of Ontario, and is designed as a stepping-stone to finding a full apprenticeship for its participants. This program runs for 30 weeks; the in-class portion runs from April to August, and the work placement runs from September to November.
Electrician Pre-Apprenticeship
CPAC, in partnership with Centennial College, runs a Pre-Apprenticeship Program for immigrants and youth from immigrant families.
GENDER SPECIFIC PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS
Painter-Decorator Level 1 Apprenticeship
YWCA Toronto has partnered with the Finishing Trades Institute (FTI), the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) to bring you a unique, women-only training experience to become a commercial painter-decorator.
Horticultural Technician Pre-Apprenticeship
Tuition-free program funded by the Government of Canada that is designed as a transition step for women seeking an apprenticeship in the horticultural trades.
The IBEW is offering a 25-week program of mentor-supported electrical trade training (15 weeks) + job placement (10 weeks) for women!
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES & TRAINING