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Start Your Skilled Trades Career in Less Than a Year!

Our Skilled Trades pre-apprenticeship and career exploration programs equip students for rewarding careers in skilled trades. With job readiness achieved in just over six months and an impressive placement rate of over 90%, our programs are built for success.

 

Our training programs are offered at no cost. This allows participants to gain the essential knowledge and develop the skills needed to embark on a rewarding career — tuition-free.

Pre-apprenticeship Training

Our free pre-apprenticeship programs offer training to eligible individuals, along with job search assistance after graduation. Students graduate with valuable skills and hands-on experience, fully prepared to launch a career in the industrial or construction sector.

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Skilled Trades Exploration

The Skilled Trades Exploration Programs helps youth and eligible individuals explore careers in the skilled trades by providing hands-on experience in construction, manufacturing, and electrical trades.

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Academic Upgrading Programs

Develop new skills or build on existing ones with our free academic upgrading and training programs, designed for employment, mature student testing, apprenticeship training, and other exams.

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Building Better Futures

Client Testimonials

Get In Gear – This program helped me more than just exploring trades. It has helped and provided me with certificates and other realistic topics that I wouldn’t know what to do on my own (ex, monthly money handling, first aid, working at heights, how to use the proper tools when working on a project step by step, safety procedures,…

Noah Burlington, ON

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve officially graduated from CREW – my Residential Electrical and Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship program with the Centre for Skills Development This experience has been nothing short of transformative, equipping me with the skills and confidence to bring projects to life from the ground up.One of the highlights of this journey was working on a 500 sq. ft. home build, where I had the opportunity to get hands-on with every stage of construction, including:• Framing: Turning blueprints…

Mustafa A. Burlington, ON

The Trades We Teach

We offer comprehensive instruction and training to help you launch a career in a variety of skilled trades by preparing you for your apprenticeship and/or job. Our programs include Industrial Electrical, Residential Electrical, Machining, Industrial Millwright, and Carpentry in Construction, providing you with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to have a successful start in these high-demand fields. Our programs are free to all participants. 

Careers in Skilled Trades

Skilled trades play a vital role in Canada’s economy, offering numerous compelling reasons to consider pursuing a career in this field. With a diverse range of job opportunities, skilled trades provide flexibility and variety for workers. Many trades offer the opportunity to “earn while you learn,” making them financially accessible. Additionally, strong labour market demands ensure job security, while high job satisfaction and competitive earning potential make the skilled trades a rewarding career choice.

What you’ll like about our programs

Students enjoy small class sizes and hands-on practical training, spending 70–80% of their time in the shop. No additional academic electives are required, and all instruction is provided by seasoned industry professionals.

All skilled trades training programs take place at our skilled trades workshop at 3335 North Service Road, Burlington and our head office at 3350 South Service Road, Burlington.

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Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Service Technician (Bilingual)

Hamilton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: August 14, 2025

Service Technician (Bilingual) Hamilton, ON L9H 7L8 Lincoln Electric Hamilton, ON L9H 7L8 Salary: Negotiable Major Responsibilities: Must be able to converse in the English language at a high level, both written and spoken Global technical support, both via the …

JobID: HV-Service Technician

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Workforce Development Specialist, Skilled Trades

Halton Hybrid Permanent

Posted: June 19, 2025

Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development  Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence?  Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career …

JobID: 459

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Job Developer / Job Coach

Burlington, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 29, 2025

Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence? Do you enjoy working withclients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career and …

JobID: 456

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News & Events

Let your AI-enhanced application work for you, not against you

June 17, 2025

Let’s be honest, AI tools can be like a badly needed relief when writing cover letters, tweaking your resume, and prepping for interviews. They can produce professional-sounding responses in seconds and take the edge off a stressful job hunt.   However,…
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Volunteering: To Give is to Receive! 

May 26, 2025

On April 29, 2025, Centre for Skills proudly celebrated the dedication of 39 remarkable individuals at our Volunteer Recognition Celebration during National Volunteer Week. It was made very clear by volunteers who spoke at the event that the benefits of…
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Join Our Newcomer Conversation Circles in Halton!

February 10, 2025

Want to chat in English with other Newcomers to Canada? Join Our Newcomer Conversation Circles! Come join us in person at our local libraries in Burlington and Oakville! This is a wonderful opportunity for newcomers to connect with more experienced…
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For Employers

Our pre-apprentices are skilled, trained, safety-certified, and ready to work.

Meet your recruiting needs with qualified apprentices who are prepared to contribute from day one.

Contact our Employer Services today!