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
Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Program
A tuition-free program for youth (ages 18-29), that is designed as a transition step to finding an apprenticeship. Participants will receive the equivalent of Level 1 Plumber Apprentice training as well as exposure to the trade of Electrician. It will provide you with the academic and practical experience required to succeed in the skilled trades.
Training will be followed by a work placement of 8 to 12 weeks for those students who attend all training and fully participate in employment prep workshops, including submission of all required materials.
Industrial Mechanic Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
This FREE program includes:
8 weeks of pre-apprenticeship in-class training with exposure to the trades of Welding and Industrial Electrician
8 weeks of Level 1 Apprenticeship in-class training
Assistance with job search for 8 weeks at a paid placement in an industrial setting. Placements are not guaranteed.
GENERAL CARPENTRY PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
A tuition-free program that is designed to introduce youth to the skilled trade of Carpentry.
Program Benefits
Academic Upgrading
Equivalent of Level 1 General Carpenter Apprentice training
Employment preparation training
Emergency First Aid/CPR Certificate training
Working at Heights Certificate training
All textbooks, safety training, small tool kit, and safety equipment are included - free of charge
Employment support for paid work placement - for those students who attend all training and fully participate in employment prep workshops, including submission of all required materials. Please note that placements are not guaranteed.
GENERAL MACHINIST PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM
A tuition-free program that is designed to introduce youth to the skilled trade of Carpentry.
Program Benefits
Academic Upgrading
Equivalent Level 1 General Machinist training
Employment preparation training
Emergency First Aid/CPR Certificate training
Working at Heights Certificate training
All textbooks, safety training, small tool kit, and safety equipment are included - free of charge
Employment support for paid work placement- for those students who attend all training and fully participate in employment prep workshops, including submission of all required materials.
GENDER SPECIFIC PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS
PLUMBER PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME WOMEN
A tuition-free program that is designed to help women experiencing financial difficulties to transition towards a Plumbing apprenticeship.
Program Benefits
Academic Upgrading
Equivalent of Level 1 Plumber Apprentice training as well as exposure to Electrician
Employment preparation training
Emergency First Aid/CPR Certificate training
Working at Heights Certificate training
All textbooks, safety training, small tool kit, and safety equipment are included - free of charge
Employment support for paid work placement - for those students who attend all training and fully participate in employment prep workshops, including submission of all required materials.
The IBEW is offering a 25-week program of mentor-supported electrical trade training (15 weeks) + job placement (10 weeks) for women!
Tile Setter Apprenticeship
What does this program offer?
A learning environment for women and gender diverse people
Health & Safety Training and Certifications
Basic work tools and safety equipment
Certified instructors
Hands-on trades skills training and theory
Job readiness and career counselling
Paid apprenticeship work placement
Journeyperson certification and Red Seal exam
Public transportation support (if applicable)
OTHER OPPORTUNITIES & TRAINING
Miziwe Biik provides the Greater Toronto Area’s Aboriginal community with training initiatives and employment services. Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in construction trades.
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.
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 using construction contracts and in-class training to prepare individuals facing barriers to employment for successful careers in the trades.
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.
Brook is offering 150 young adults (ages 16-29) a 10-week paid Pre-Apprenticeship Program in construction. The program is targeted towards individuals in at-risk communities, people experiencing homelessness, community housing residents, marginalized/racialized groups and new comers to Canada.
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.
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.