Quick Facts

Service type: Employment, Youth, Newcomers, Disability, Trades Training, Women
Eligibility: 18 years; Legally entitled to work in Ontario; Grade 12 equivalency demonstrated through high school diploma or transcripts
Delivery: Virtual and in-person
Toronto
Hours of Operation: Varies
Fee: Free
Program dates: Spring - Summer (Yearly)
Duration: 14 to 16 weeks of skills training followed by support in finding a job placement

Program Description

Many Trades and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs are offered at no cost to participants. These programs support newcomers to Canada and others from underrepresented groups, giving them an opportunity to start a career in high-demand trades such as Plumbing, CNC/Precision Machining, Electrical, Sheet Metal, Industrial Millwright, and/or Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Systems.

 

Interested applicants are assessed for grade 12 Math and English , and are required to participate in Academic Upgrading to attain the communication and numeracy skills needed for entry into the skilled trades.

 

Trades Pre-Apprenticeship Programs usually include:

  • Academic Upgrading
  • In-person skills training
  • Employability Skills Training
  • Safety training
  • Tools, safety equipment transportation, and tech support
  • Assistance to search for a paid work placement

 

Program schedule

 

  • Academic Upgrading: 3 to 5 weeks (Online & part-time)
  • Skills Training: 9 to 14 weeks (In-person, full-time)
  • Employability Skills & Safety Training: 2 weeks (In-person and online, part-time)
  • Opportunity for paid work placement: 8 weeks (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 the trades
  • Support in job readiness, employability and retention
  • Opportunities to connect with WoodGreen employer-partners who are committed to providing meaningful employment

 

Frequent Asked Questions

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

    • To learn more about the George Brown College Industrial Millwright Pre-Apprenticeship Program, visit their website.
    • 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.

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

    1. Please click on the “Register” button above to add your name to the contact list. We will contact you if/when registration opens up.
    2. Get the required documents ready: Canadian high school diploma (or equivalent) or credential assessment for overseas education.
    3. Refresh your English and Math skills to be better prepared for the 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.

Testimonials

Emi - WoodGreen Program participant

2022 CNC/Precision Machining Program

"My experience was exciting and challenging, as with learning anything new. I was in a group where we all supported each other. The instructors were kind, understanding and supportive."

WoodGreen Program participant

2023 Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Program participant

“Woodgreen has been very supportive from the very start of the program till the job placement and after that also there are timely checks to make sure everything is going on smooth or if we need any help. It has been a very good experience with WoodGreen.”

Andrew – WoodGreen Program participant

2023 CNC/Precision Machining Program

“Thank you for the opportunity to learn and acquire new skills and job opportunities. This program has really opened my eyes to the trades and how enjoyable they can be.”

How you can support

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Ready to participate?

 

Please Note: Intake for all 2025 Trades Programs is now complete. Applications are no longer being accepted.

 

 

 

To add your name to the contact list for future Trades Programs, click below:

Apply

Need help?

For more information, download a flyer here.

Contact Information

WoodGreen's Trades Team Contact

(416) 405-5281
[email protected]

Hours

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

 

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