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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

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.

School Bus Driver

Burlington/Mississauga/Hamilton/Stoney Creek In-person Permanent

Posted: July 15, 2026

Our Vision Statement sums it up best, “Relentless in our drive to move people”. Do you enjoy working in a family-owned, community-based environment? Do you enjoy making an impact in the lives of Children? If this sounds like something you’re …

JobID: FM334

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Labour Relations Specialist

Oakville, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: July 9, 2026

Who We Are Emterra Group is a dynamic, growth-oriented, and safety-focused group of companies. Our organization have been deemed to be an “essential service” by providing collection and processing for recycling, organics, and waste that keep our communities clean and …

JobID: FM333

View Details

Accounts Payable Coordinator

Oakville, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: July 9, 2026

Who We Are Emterra Group is a dynamic, growth-oriented, and safety-focused group of companies. Our organization have been deemed to be an “essential service” by providing collection and processing for recycling, organics, and waste that keep our communities clean and …

JobID: FM332

View Details
View Job Board

News & Events

Newcomers

Ready for Your First Job in Canada?

March 30, 2026

Many newcomers are ready and need to work in Canada. When close to completing a CLB level 4, it’s possible to get an entry level job, but often a newcomer’s confidence does not always match their desire to get a…
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Newcomers

Why In-Person English Classes Still Win

March 30, 2026

Learning English is easier than ever. You can practice vocabulary on your phone with several popular apps, practice pronunciation with lessons on YouTube, and join virtual classes from your couch. That’s great, but when it comes to improving your English,…
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Employment Services

Are Your Resume Metrics Raising Eyebrows? 

March 12, 2026

You’ve likely heard the advice: “Add numbers to your résumé.” And it’s true — results matter. But in 2026, recruiters, HR teams, hiring managers, and even ATS systems are getting much better at spotting fake or inflated metrics. With AI in the…
Read More

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!