NEW! TUITION-FREE PROGRAM. Starting July 4, 2022.
Discover Your Trade, an Indigenous Focused Initiative.
Thinking about a career in the trades but want to explore your options. Are you struggling to secure employment or an apprenticeship?
Are you 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.
In partnership with Keepers of the Circle, "Discover Your Trade, an Indigenous Focused Initiative" is a two-semester skills training program that provides the building blocks toward a rewarding career in the trade sector with the focus to help Indigenous people improve their skills and find employment.
Program Outline
This tuition-free program offers multiple trade knowledge in not one but five trades.
Primary Trade:
- Construction and Maintenance Electrical
Secondary Trades:
- Utility Arborist
- Ironworker
- Automotive Service Technician
- Parts Technician
What is a pre-apprenticeship?
A pre-apprenticeship training program offers individuals who face various barriers the opportunity to gain free multiple trade knowledge to help them achieve the confidence to enter the workforce, seek an apprenticeship, or further their skills training at the college level in a specialized trade.
It will make it easier for participants to establish a career pathway by identifying, planning, and pursuing a skilled trade to kickstart their careers.
Why pre-apprenticeship?
The goal is to 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 trades sector.
Theoretical and hands-on learning, soft skills, real-world experience, and networking with professionals in the industry can help an individual gain the confidence to transition into the workforce.
Pre-apprenticeship training includes:
- Literacy and Basic Skills
- Trade exposure
- Trade readiness
- Employability skills
- Health and safety certification
- 8-week paid work placement
Program delivery: is a combination of theory (virtual learning on Microsoft Teams and in-class) and hands-on learning on campus.
There are NO TUITION COSTS. Included at the discretion of the program are safety gear, tools, learning materials, and health and safety certifications.
The program’s start date is July 4, 2022. The end date is March 3, 2023.
Who can apply?
Eligibility Requirements
- Indigenous (self-identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit)
- 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 a minimum grade of 12 English.
*Determined pre-apprenticeships require grade 12 math.
Be Amazing! Apply and Find your Trade Today!
If you are ambitious, love working with your hands, and are creative, please fill out the Sault College Pre-Apprenticeship intake form to start your application.
Sault College Pre-apprenticeship Intake Form
Outcomes and opportunities can lead to an apprenticeship, higher-paying jobs, and more career opportunities.
For more information about the pre-apprenticeship skills training program, please email: lisamarie.kelly@saultcollege.ca
Funded by the Government of Ontario.
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 that have supported past pre-apprenticeship programs include:
- Beta Fluid Power
- Lakeway Truck Centre Inc.
- TimberSafe
- World Cars Hyundai/World Cars Kia
- Karhi Contracting Inc.
- Canadian Tire
- 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
Past Pre-apprenticeship Training Programs:
- 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)
Helpful Links
Sault College Apprenticeship Programs
Employment Solutions
MTCU
Career in Trades
Skills Canada