Skip to content
A woman in coveralls wearing safety glasses

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.

Learn More

Skilled Trades Exploration

Our free Skilled Trades Exploration Programs help eligible individuals explore and start careers in the skilled trades by providing hands-on experience in construction, manufacturing, and electrical trades.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

TradesLink Ontario – Foreign Credentials Recognition Program

The program is open to newcomers with international post-secondary education, and training or experience in the trades who want to work in the skilled trades in Canada.

It provides personalized guidance and resources to help participants in navigating the credential recognition process and beginning the path toward Canadian certification.

Learn more

Machining for Newcomers

This is a free program designed to help newcomers with international skilled trades experience successfully transition into Ontario’s growing manufacturing sector.

The program equips participants with the knowledge, resources, and connections they need to build rewarding careers in Ontario’s skilled trades.

Learn more
Building Better Futures

Client Testimonials

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.

Connect with us

Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Licensed Private Investigator — Surveillance & Field Investigations (3 positions available)

Greater Toronto Area, ON In-person Internal Contract

Posted: September 21, 2026

Sentinel Investigations Corp. is building its roster of professional licensed private investigators for assignments throughout the GTA and surrounding areas. We are seeking investigators with experience in surveillance, field investigations, evidence documentation, report preparation and discreet client assignments. Preferred qualifications: …

JobID: FM352

View Details

Line Cook

Burlington, ON In-person Internal Permanent

Posted: September 21, 2026

We’re Hiring! Experienced Line Cooks Wanted. Come Cook Up Some Fun at GameTime Social. Got knife skills sharper than your wit? Love whipping up scratch-made food while keeping the kitchen vibes high? We’re looking for enthusiastic Line and Prep Cooks …

JobID: FM351

View Details

Painter

Scarborough, ON In-person Internal Permanent

Posted: September 21, 2026

Team: General Maintenance Rate of Pay: Starting $33.02, 520 hours $35.23, 1040 hours $36.69 Looking for a career with a dynamic organization that is committed to protecting wildlife? We are interested in dedicated individuals who are positive, enthusiastic, and passionate …

JobID: FM355

View Details

News & Events

New to Canada? We’re Here to Help You Settle In 

August 12, 2026

Moving to a new country means a hundred new things to figure out at once — housing, health care, schools, banking, language, community. It\’s a lot. You don\’t have to do it alone.  At Centre for Skills Development, our Settlement Services team is here…
Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

August 10, 2026

Date: August 10, 2026  Centre for Skills Launches Community Bridge Program to Help Newcomers Build English Skills, Community Connections and Careers in Halton Region  Burlington, ON — Centre for Skills is pleased to announce the launch of the Community Bridge Program,…
Read More

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…
Read More

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!