(Sault Ste. Marie, ON June 20, 2023) – Thinking about a career in the trades, but want to explore your options? If you are unemployed or underemployed and need the tools to try to secure an apprenticeship or an entry-level job, a pre-apprenticeship training program may be right for you! Funded by the Government of Ontario, Sault College is offering two tuition-free, pre-apprenticeship training programs Foundational Training with a Focus on Electrical with secondary trade training in general machinist, and Women in the Auto Industry with a Focus on Automotive Service Technician and secondary trades training in truck and coach and parts technician. Both programs run June 26, 2023, through March 1, 2024, and applications now being accepted.
“Careers in the skilled trades are meaningful and well-paying, where you get the chance to work with your hands and be proud of what you build,” said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is investing historic amounts in pre-apprenticeship training, like the Try a Trade programs at Sault College, to give the next generation of young people the tools they will need to secure in-demand jobs and build a stronger Ontario for all of us.”
Pre-apprenticeship programs help participants find a pathway to enter a career in the skilled trades. In addition to the trades training, the programming includes literacy and basic skills, employability skills, health and safety certifications, student support, and assistance with an eight-week paid work placement.
“Sault College Continuing Education is excited to be able to offer this unique program,” said Lori Crosson, Director, E-Learning and Continuing Education Sault College. “Through this type of program, we hope to provide the necessary training to help participants gain confidence and the necessary skills to pursue a meaningful, long career in the trade sector. With free tuition, this pre-apprenticeship is one-of-a-kind, and we encourage all those interested to register today.”
The Government of Ontario and Sault College are committed to increasing the number of applicants applying to apprenticeship programs, meeting labour demand and providing employers with apprentices who possess the acquired skills needed, and this program is one way we can assist with this.
“There is a need to increase the number of skilled trades workers in the Algoma Region,” said Corey Meunier, Chair, Trades and Technology, Sault College. “This program encourages participants to pursue a career in the skilled trades and provides them with quality training that will help to support the needs of our local and regional markets.”
Andréa Widgett, a March 2023 graduate of the “Discover Your Trade” – a previous pre-apprenticeship training program – completed her work placement as a Parts Technician and Service Advisor at Canadian Tire and now works as a permanent team member. “My experience in the program was incredible. In addition to learning so many new and amazing skills, I was thrilled to experience life at Sault College and am excited to continue my studies here,” said Andréa. When asked, any advice you would like to share on how to be successful in the program, “Start by showing up. Be yourself. Learn your way around campus and access the many supports available to you. Have fun! Engage with your classmates and instructors, share your story. Challenge yourself to learn new things, to feel inspired, to dream, BIG. This is an amazing place to learn and to grow.” Andréa has been accepted into the Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) program for September 2023.
This initiative supports the partnership between Employment Solutions and the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSMSSAB) to help clients with support services they may need to gain future employment.
To learn more about the program, please contact Lisa M Kelly, Pre-apprenticeship Project Coordinator, by calling 705.759.2554 ext. 2417, by email LisaMarie.Kelly@saultcollege.ca or drop by the Sault College Continuing Education Department, Room A1150 or visit Pre-Apprenticeship | Sault College
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
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