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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

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.

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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.

Connect with us

Latest Job Openings

Visit the Job Board to see all available openings.

Job Developer/Job Coach

Halton Region Hybrid Permanent

Posted: October 30, 2025

Embark on a Bright Future with Centre for Skills Development Are you entrepreneurial, client-focused and committed to teamwork and excellence?  Do you enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds? If you want to work for a recognized leader in career …

JobID: 469

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DRIVER G CLASS DRIVER

Mississauga In-person Permanent

Posted: October 29, 2025

REPORTS TO: Manager Of Integrated Logistics  PAY: $21/hour  The Driver, G Class picks up and delivers goods (shipments) to & from our customers in a safe and courtesy manner that will improve the company’s efficiency, help achieve the company’s mission …

JobID: FM237

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HVAC Service Apprentice

Mississauga, Ontario Hybrid Permanent

Posted: October 29, 2025

Who We Are: O’Dell HVAC Group is a well-established HVAC equipment representative, partnering with engineers, building owners, and contractors across Ontario. Our success is fueled by our people-first culture, where teamwork, innovation, and professional growth are at the core of everything …

JobID: FM236

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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!