Overview

Pathways to the Trades is a FREE 8-week program targeting clients who are currently unemployed, interested in exploring the trades, and are experiencing financial hardship. This specialized program has been designed to help you make a successful transition into the trades, whether you have completed high school or not. This will be achieved through a strong focus on developing individualized learning plans, advising, career exploration, and skill building.

The program includes 30 hours of training per week including 15 hours of trades exposure relevant to the specific pathway chosen, 6 hours of academic upgrading, and 2 hours of employment prep. You will also complete safety training and other relevant certifications including First Aid and Working at Heights. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to participate in possible facility tours, hear from people already in the trade, and participate in workshops discussing pathways, emotional intelligence, the apprenticeship process, funding your education, time management, budgeting, and other relevant topics.

Program Duration: 8 weeks, followed by a 12-week paid placement.

Participants will also have individual meetings with our Skilled Trades Advisor and develop individual plans to guide them along their next steps.

Program Supports:

• Participants will earn minimum wage to attend classes (30 hrs/week)
• Additionally, they will earn a bonus for program & work completion
• They will also receive safety gear for in-class training as well as work placements
• Funding to assist participants with transportation & food costs
• Funding to assist with emergency costs - housing, health, legal, etc.

Please contact Project Coordinator to learn more about funding opportunities.

This program is funded by the Government of Canada.

Program Areas

Finish Carpentry

Drafting, safety, introduction to tools, cabinet construction

Landscaping

Horticulture, Groundskeeping, Arborist

Industrial Trades

Machine Shop, Millwright, Welding

Residential Construction

Plumbing, Electrical, Home Renovation

Your Career

Canada currently faces a critical shortage of skilled workers. Skilled tradespeople will be increasingly in demand because of the rapid pace of technological changes and as current workers in the field begin to retire. 

This program will provide you with the knowledge, the foundational skills, and the employment assistance to begin exploring a career in the skilled trades.

Work Placement

12-week paid work placement is provided with client participation in employer selection - interviews may be required.