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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 and apply today!

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.

Property Cleaning – Property Cleaner

St. Catharines, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: February 5, 2026

This is a permanent, part-time position. The Cleaner enhances the client experience through dedication and a service-oriented approach to cleanliness, ensuring property maintenance standards are performed in a safe manner that achieves the company standards. Compensation: $17.60 – $23/hr based …

JobID: HV-Property Cleaning – Property Cleaner

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Plant Electrician – Water Pollution Control Plant

Thunder Bay In-person Permanent

Posted: February 5, 2026

Job Category: TradesJob Title: Plant Electrician – Water Pollution Control PlantWage Rate: $38.50/hour Where Your Well-being Matters. Your Growth is Supported. And You Thrive. At the City of Thunder Bay, Our City Runs on People Like You. Together, we’re building …

JobID: FM274

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Maintenance – Property Maintenance Technician (Live-In)

Stoney Creek, Hamilton, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: February 5, 2026

This is a permanent, full-time position. As our Live-In Property Maintenance Technician, your main focus is to complete day-to-day minor maintenance repairs, to a high standard, contributing to the overall customer satisfaction of our residents. Compensation: $22–$26/hr based on skills …

JobID: HV-Maintenance – Property Maintenance Technician (Live-In)

View Details
View Job Board

News & Events

News

Holiday Hours

December 18, 2025

Schedule for Remote Employment Services WEDNESDAYDECEMBER 24, 2025CLOSES AT 3PMTHURSDAYDECEMBER 25, 2025CLOSEDFRIDAYDECEMBER 26, 2025CLOSEDMONDAYDECEMBER 29, 2025REMOTE SERVICESTUESDAYDECEMBER 30, 2025REMOTE SERVICESWEDNESDAYDECEMBER 31, 2025REMOTE SERVICESTHURSDAYJANUARY 1, 2026CLOSEDFRIDAYJANUARY 2, 2026OPEN Contact Information for Remote Employment Services LOCATIONTELEPHONEEMAILCLARKSON905-333-3499 x 462clarksonweb@centreforskills.caMILTON905-333-3499 x 459miltonweb@centreforskills.caOAKVILLE905-333-3499 x 421oakvilleweb@centreforskills.caBURLINGTON905-333-3499…
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Job Loss – How to Turn the Page 

December 4, 2025

Losing a job can feel like a nice cozy rug has been pulled out from under you and you’re now lying on the hard cold floor. Sure, it’s about the loss in pay, but it’s also about the sudden shift…
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Convert International Trades Experience into Canadian Certification with the help of TradesLink Ontario!

November 12, 2025

Stop waiting and start working! Are you an internationally trained and experienced tradesperson in a trade where certification/licensing is required? Are you confused or frustrated by the process? That’s where the TradesLink Ontario Program at the Centre for Skills steps…
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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!