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Free Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs

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, safety certifications and are fully prepared to launch a career in the industrial or construction sector.

CREW

Carpentry & Residential Electrical Worker Pre-apprenticeship Program

This program offers training in two trades: carpentry and residential electrical, ensuring graduates have numerous career paths, a relevant skill set, shop experience and safety certifications.

Learn more and apply today!

MEP

Industrial Millwright Mechanic & Electrical Pre-Apprenticeship Program

This program offers participants training in three trades; machining, industrial millwright mechanic and industrial electrical ensuring graduates have numerous career paths, a relevant skill set, shop experience and safety certifications.

Learn more and apply today!

WIST

Women in Skilled Trades, Enhanced General Carpentry

This free program provides eligible low income women with the tools and training to launch a career in the Construction Industry. The program is focused on trades required in residential construction.

Learn more and apply today!
Building Better Futures

Client Testimonials

MEP – I came to The Centre as an accountant that couldn’t stand sitting at a desk any longer, with no experience or marketable skills in the trades at all. I had never even owned my own screwdriver and had friends help assemble my furniture. The Centre allowed me to restart my life as a millwright. Anything I can do to spread the word of the fantastic programs offered by the Centre I will do, it’s such a fantastic resource.…

Christopher Bouridis Burlington, ON

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

What you’ll like about our programs

Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on, practical training, spending 60% of their time in the shop.

 

Our pre-apprenticeship programs run for 22–24 weeks, offering full-time hours and instruction from experienced industry professionals.

 

Graduates receive job search assistance to kick-start their careers in the skilled trades.

 

Programs are free, fully funded by the government of Ontario.

Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Alarm Technician

Burlington, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 29, 2026

Description of duties and components of job:  Requirements: Technologist Certificate or Computer Networking Courses preferred.

JobID: HV – Alarm Technician

View Details

General Labourer- Landscaping

Hamilton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: May 29, 2026

Salary Range: $19.00 – $24.00 per hour  Note: Candidate must have their own vehicle.  Job Description Do you love working outdoors, staying active, and building beautiful outdoor spaces? Oakridge Landscape Contractors is looking for hardworking, reliable people to join our …

JobID: K.S. – General Labourer- Landscaping (Hamilton)

View Details

Production Lead Hand

Mississauga In-person Permanent

Posted: May 28, 2026

Job Type: Permanent Full-time, 40 hours per week, adjustment pending on business need Probationary Period: 3-months or 480 hours, whichever longer Work Location: 2501-A Stanfield Rd, Mississauga ON, L4Y 1R6 Shift Requirement: Must be flexible for morning or afternoon shifts, …

JobID: MA280

View Details
View Job Board

News & Events

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For Employers

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

Fill your recruiting needs with qualified apprentices who are ready for work from day one.

Contact our Employer Services today!