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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.

Senior Technical Service Advisor & Trainer

1-430, Industrial Dr., Milton (Head Office) In-person Permanent

Posted: December 16, 2025

Position Summary: At FSS, we prioritize exceeding customer expectations in every interaction. As the Senior Technical Service Advisor & Trainer, your role significantly impacts our business operations and overall customer satisfaction. By providing support to Food Service Solutions Inc. (Canada …

JobID: FM245

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Quality Control Operator

Burlington, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: December 15, 2025

As a team member of the Order Fulfillment and Quality Control department, you will be challenged with inspecting electronic equipment while processing against customer purchase orders.  Responsibilities:   Requirements:  What we offer: 

JobID: HV-Quality Control Operator

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Office Clerk

Burlington, ON In-person Permanent

Posted: December 15, 2025

Rate of Pay: $23 an hour – Full-time Job Summary: The Office Clerk is responsible to the Office Manager for daily processing of company business transactions. This position may be assigned one or more clerical tasks as needed. Some of …

JobID: HV-Office Clerk

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View Job Board

News & Events

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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Person on an online video call

Newcomer to Canada? Need Job Search Support?

November 10, 2025

Are you a newcomer to Canada who is: 1. Struggling with doubts that you will ever use your professional skills again? 2. Feeling a lack of confidence in your English pronunciation and expressions? 3. Unsure about how to fit into…
Read More

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!