Thinking about a career in skilled trades but want to explore your options?
If you are unemployed or underemployed and need the tools to secure an apprenticeship or an entry-level job, a pre-apprenticeship training program may be right for you.
If you are ambitious, love working with your hands, and are creative, apply today! Outcomes and opportunities can lead to an apprenticeship, higher-paying jobs, and broader future career prospects.
The next Pre-Apprenticeship Program will be Driving Your Way into the Automotive Industry starting July 7, 2025. The primary focus will be on Automotive Service Technician plus a secondary focus on Parts Technician. Please complete the Sault College Pre-Apprenticeship intake form to start your application.
More Information
For more information about the pre-apprenticeship skills training program or to book an appointment, please contact the coordinator.
Marie O'Hara
Pre-Apprenticeship Project Coordinator
marie.ohara@saultcollege.ca
705-759-2554 ext. 2417
Kickstart a career in the skilled trades at Sault College!
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
FAQ
What is a pre-apprenticeship?
Pre-apprenticeships provide the building blocks toward a rewarding career in the trade sector. The focus is to help individuals experiencing barriers strengthen their employability and trade-readiness skills. The pre-apprenticeship program makes it easier for participants to establish a career pathway by identifying, planning, and pursuing a skilled trade to kickstart their careers.
Why pre-apprenticeship?
A pre-apprenticeship skills training program offers individuals the opportunity to gain free multiple trade knowledge, theoretical and hands-on learning, soft skills, real-world experience, and networking with professionals in the industry. It gives individuals the confidence to transition into the workforce, seek an apprenticeship, or further their skills training at the college level in a specialized trade.
The goal of the pre-apprenticeship program is to help meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople by empowering individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds to pursue skills training and employment in the trade sector.
Program Outline
Pre-apprenticeship training includes:
- Literacy and Basic Skills
- Trade exposure
- Trade-readiness
- Employability skills
- Health and safety certification
- Assistance with securing 8-week paid work placement
Only 34 weeks! Full-time, class hours will vary. (Schedule may include weekends and evening classes.) Program delivery is a combination of theory and practical learning on campus. There are NO TUITION COSTS. Included at the discretion of the program: safety gear, tools, learning materials, and health and safety certifications.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants who are currently unemployed or underemployed and interested in the trade sector (Employment Insurance applicants may not be eligible)
- Grade 12 or equivalent, above age 16, Ontario resident and eligible to work in Canada.
*If you do not have your grade 12 diploma, academic upgrading and CAAT testing are available.
For more information contact,
Sault College Academic Upgrading
Sault College Testing Centre
All pre-apprenticeship programs require grade 12 English.
*Determined pre-apprenticeships require grade 12 math.
Employer Support Recognition
Increased employer support and building partnerships within the trade community are essential for the Sault College pre-apprenticeship program. Sharing real-world experience and knowledge help students build a foundation in the trades industry.
The Sault College pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with Employment Solutions recognizes the invaluable employer support received from the community.
Thank you. You made a difference and contributed to a student success story.
Employers
SIS Manufacturing
Raker Innovative Services
JD Aero Technical Inc.
S.E.G. Services
Sault Ste. Marie YMCA
Ketegaunseebee (Garden River First Nation)
Smyl’s Highland Ford
ISM Industrial Service and Maintenance
Beta Fluid Power
World Cars Hyundai/World Cars Kia
Canadian Tire
Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Northside Volkswagen
GR Truss
Nepsco Electrical & Plumbing Supply
Lakeway Truck Centre Inc.
TimberSafe
Karhi Contracting Inc.
Algoma Tree Service
Rector Machine Works Inc.
Prouse Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
Maslack Supply Inc.
Bud Robinson Motor Sports
Northside Toyota
The City of Sault Ste. Marie, Public Works
Habitat for Humanity
S. & T. Group
S. & T. Industrial Inc.
FP Contracting
Vulcan Fire and Safety Systems Ltd.
Sault College, Maintenance and Electrical Departments
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs
Women in Auto (2023)
Electrical Machinist (2023)
Indigenous Focused, Discover Your Trade (2022)
Women in Trades, Automotive and Motor Power (2021)
Trade Exploration, Electrical (2021)
General Machinist (2020)
Automotive Service Technician (2020)
Women in Trades, Construction and Maintenance Electrical (2019)