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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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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.

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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.

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Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Milton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: October 17, 2025

Salary: $30–$35 an hour – Temporary, Permanent, Seasonal, Full-time  A successful candidate requires the following:  • Valid G Driver’s license.  • Reliable transportation (work locations will vary).  • (5) years experience operating an Excavator (Experience from 3.5T – 30T machines).  …

JobID: HV – Heavy Equipment Operator

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Member Services Coordinator

Milton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: October 15, 2025

Salary: $50,000  About the Position:  In this role, you will provide the first line of communications with members when they contact the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association office (CNLA). The Member Services team member will provide administrative support to all member …

JobID: HV – Member Services Coordinator

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Shipper/Receiver

Milton In-person Permanent

Posted: October 15, 2025

Title: Shipper/Receiver Reports to: Plant Superintendent                                            Department: Shipping          Rate of Pay: $20-$21/hour                                                              Division: Milton JOB SUMMARY: We’re looking for a reliable and detail-oriented Shipper/Receiver to join …

JobID: FM224

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News & Events

GTA Job Seekers: Here is your Competitive Edge Checklist for 2025 

October 14, 2025

The job market in the GTA is competitive now, for a variety of reasons, but two reasons that are top of mind are the adjustments required to be agile in our economy due to the new trade environment and the…
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TradesLink Ontario – Foreign Credential Recognition Program

October 8, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  Date: October 08, 2025  Centre for Skills Awarded Government Contract to Support Skilled Newcomers in Trades  Burlington, ON — Centre for Skills is pleased to announce the launch of a new project, funded by the Government of…
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Taking the Detour: How One Client Turned Setbacks into Success 

September 9, 2025

Life doesn’t always take us straight to where we want to go. Sometimes a roadblock sends us on a detour. Though initially feeling like a setback, a detour can, surprisingly, lead to something even better. Have you ever experienced that? …
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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!