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Women in Skilled Trades, 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.

Apply here
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Program schedule

  • 22 weeks of training
  • Full-time Monday to 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 criteria:

  • 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 now accepting applications for Summer 2025

Please note that applying does  NOT guarantee acceptance in the program. Limited spaces are available.

Apply here

Your questions, answered

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

More information:

If you have any questions or need guidance,

please feel free to contact: Anca Nachiu

 

Email: anca.nachiu@centreforskills.ca

Tel.: 905-333-3499  x 354

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