Women in Skilled Trades(WIST)| Enhanced General Carpentry

In partnership with the Government of Ontario, Canadian Women’s Foundation and RESCON (Residential Construction Council of Ontario), the Centre for Skills Development offers the Enhanced General Carpentry for Women - Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) program. 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 Essential Skills training to support women in transitioning into careers in the construction industry.

Program Schedule

22 weeks of training
Full-time Monday – Friday, from 8:00AM to 2:30pm
Training takes place in Burlington at two locations:

Skilled Trades Site - 3335 North Service Rd, Burlington ON (in-shop training)
Head Office Site - 3350 South Service Rd, Burlington ON (theory sessions)

This program is for you if:

Financial improvement is your personal goal
You want to enter the construction industry
You want an accelerated program and are able to commit to 22 weeks of full-time training
You like to work with your hands
You have a ‘can do’ attitude and are willing to work hard to secure a career in the skilled trades

Eligibility:

Woman / identifying as woman
Over the age of 18
Low-income
Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

Program Breakdown:

Construction and applied theory
Blueprint reading
Energy Star building practices
Hand and power tools
Framing techniques, floor, wall and roof systems
Door and window installation
Drywall installation and repair
Hardwood, laminate and ceramic flooring

Finish carpentry
Roofing, Stairs and Siding
Painting and interior finishes
Ontario Building Code
Estimating
Construction marketing & communications
Employability and Essential Skills
Comprehensive Safety Training

Career Paths Upon Program Completion

Carpenter
Carpet Installer
Estimator
Fencer/Fence Erector
Flooring Installer
Foreperson
Insulation Worker
Landscaper
Painter
Plasterer
Roofer
Framer
Window and Doors Installer

We are no longer accepting applications for WIST 2024.

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More Information:

If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact: Emily Spek at emily.spek@centreforskills.ca or 905-333-3499 x 310

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the program be delivered online or in person?
At this time, the program is scheduled to be in person, with the occasional online period. However, in order to maintain safety of our participants throughout the pandemic, we may adjust the program accordingly.

What is the address of the training facility?
During the program, we may be using 2 different facilities:

Skilled Trades Site - 3335 North Service Rd, Burlington ON
Head Office Site - 3350 South Service Rd, Burlington ON

Is the training facility bus accessible?
Both training facilities are bus accessible, however, please make sure to check but schedules ahead of time.

Is there parking available at the training facility?
There is parking available at both locations.
Skilled Trades Site – Parking is available at the front of the building
Head Office Site – Parking available down the ramp, at the back of the building.

Does the program have a lot of homework?
The WIST Program does require some additional independent preparation hours outside of scheduled time for small research assignments and chapter reviews and test preparation.

How does Centre for Skills help with my job search?
Participants will receive assistance to create a career action plan and connect them to employers. Participants will also have access to a variety of workshops to help them prepare to job search and work in the industry.

Can I be signed on as an apprentice after the program?
The WIST program offers many career paths upon completion. If apprenticeship is the path you want to pursue, you can work with your job coach to discuss options available for you based on the employment conditions at that time. The WIST Program curriculum aligns closely with the first year apprentice general carpentry curriculum, preparing you with the skills and confidence to pursue an apprenticeship.

What does the schedule look like?
The WIST program includes a combination of theory and hands on. The beginning of the program will include more theory to ensure safe use of tools and machinery in the shop. As the program progresses, students will get less theory everyday and more shop time, as new content will build upon the theory learnt in previous days.

What will I have to buy vs. what is provided?
As a successful applicant into the program, you will not need to make any personal financial investments. We provide hard hats, work boots and safety glasses, dust masks, textbooks and a tool kit to use during the program and keep after graduation.