Quick Facts

Service type: Employment, Youth, Newcomers, Trades Training, Women
Eligibility: 18 years of age or older; Legally entitled to work in Ontario; Grade 12 equivalency demonstrated through a high school diploma or transcripts.
Delivery: Virtual and in-person
George Brown College Casa Loma Campus, Toronto, M5R 1M3
Hours of Operation: Varies
Fee: Free
Program dates: May to September 2025. Please check the description for more details
Duration: 15 weeks of skills training, including academic upgrading and employability workshops, followed by an 8-week paid work placement.

Program Description

The Employment Skills for Level 1 Pre-Apprenticeship in Plumbing program, delivered by George Brown College in partnership with WoodGreen is offered at no cost to participants. The program supports newcomers to Canada and other jobseekers, giving them an opportunity to start a career in high-demand trades such as plumbing and sheet metal.

 

Interested applicants will be assessed for Gr. 12 Math and English or equivalent, and are required to participate in 4-weeks of Academic Upgrading to attain the communication and numeracy skills that are needed for entry into the skilled trades.

 

Our program offers:

  • 4-weeks of Academic upgrading
  • 9-weeks of Skills Training in Plumbing and in Sheet Metal(1-week )
  • 2-weeks of Employability Skill Training
  • Safety Training: WHMIS, Working at Heights, First Aid & CPR
  • Guidance and information on educational and career pathways
  • Training supports, e.g., tools, safety equipment, transportation, and tech support
  • Assistance to search for an 8-week paid work placement

 

 

Program dates:

 

Academic Upgrading: May 28 – June 20

Duration: 4-weeks
Delivery: Online & In-person

 

Level 1 Training in Plumbing: June 23 – August 15

Duration: 8-weeks

Delivery: In-person

 

Level 1 Training in Sheet Metal: August 18 – August 22

Duration: 1-week

Delivery: In-person

 

Employability Skills & Safety Training: August 25 – September 5

Duration: 2-weeks

Delivery: Online & In-person

 

Opportunity for paid work placement: After September 8

Duration: 8-weeks

Delivery: In-person

 

Program Benefits:

  • One-on-one career advisement to assist participants in obtaining employment
  • Opportunities for first-hand experience in operating tools and equipment used in plumbing and sheet metal
  • Support in job readiness, employability and retention
  • Opportunities to connect with WoodGreen employer-partners who are committed to providing meaningful employment, job readiness and experiences.

FAQ

  • Where can I find examples of Pre-Apprenticeship and Trades Programs?

    • In 2023, WoodGreen delivered a Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Level 1 Program. You can also read about the experiences of program participants in this article.
    • In 2022 and 2023, we offered a CNC/Precision Machining Program. To learn more and join the waitlist for future cohorts, please click here. You can also read about the program in this article.
    • To learn more about the George Brown College Industrial Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program, visit their website.

     

  • How do I apply and qualify for Pre-Apprenticeship or similar Trades programs?

    1. Please click on the “Apply” button above to start the registration process. We will send you an invitation to attend a mandatory information session.
    2. Get the required documents ready: Canadian high school diploma (or equivalent) or credential assessment for overseas education.You can also take the Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) high school equivalency assessment.
    3. Refresh your English and Math skills to be better prepared for the ESOT Skills Assessment.
    4. Pass a Skills Assessment and attend a suitability interview.

  • Where can I have my credentials assessed?

    Credential Assessment Services:

     

    Take an equivalency test or earn high school credits:

     

    If you are from Afghanistan, Eritrea, Iraq, Syria, Türkiye, Ukraine, or Venezuela, you may be eligible for a referral to the WES Gateway Program. Please contact us at (416) 405-5281 or [email protected] for more information.

  • How can I prepare for the English & Math Skills Assessment?

  • I am a Refugee Claimant. Can I participate in a Pre-Apprenticeship Program?

    Please call the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Client Support Centre at 1-888-242-2100 to enquire whether you would need a study permit.

    Those in receipt of an Authorization for Emergency Travel document and valid work-permit are generally eligible to participate, as long as all training activities (including work placement) do not exceed 6 months.

  • Am I guaranteed a placement or a job after the training?

    No, but we help eligible individuals to find an 8-week, paid work placement. To be eligible for employment support, you would need to meet attendance requirements for all courses, including employability skills training, do a mock interview, and actively participate in the placement/job search process.

  • Are work placements paid?

    Yes. Most employers pay minimum wage, but some pay a little more.

  • Would I be required to buy my own tools and safety equipment?

    No, pre-apprenticeship programs generally include boots, safety equipment, and tools without cost to participants.

How you can support

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Ready to participate?

To apply, click below:

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Want to Learn More?

Explore the Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship eLearning Series developed by The Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services:

Need help?

For more information about the program, download the flyer here.

Contact Information

WoodGreen Trades Training

(416) 405-5281
[email protected]

Hours

Monday to Friday
9:00AM to 5:00PM

 

This program is funded by:

Program Partner

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Pre-Apprenticeship and Trades Programs

WoodGreen offers free Pre-Apprentice and Trades Programs, catering to newcomers and those facing employment barriers to provide a pathway to high-demand trades. Participants undergo assessments for grade 12 Math and English and engage in Academic Upgrading to develop essential communication and numeracy skills for entry into skilled trades.

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