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Begin your apprenticeship journey through a pre-apprenticeship training program. Funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, for eligible individuals.
How it works
- Colleges and community training providers deliver free trades-specific training, offered once a year, as Ministry funding permits.
- Individuals apply for and meet eligibility criteria to participate in training.
- These programs include trades-specific training, course materials and safety training, and support in obtaining an 8 to 12-week work placement.
Benefits
- Develop confidence, exposure and skills in a specific trade.
- Provides specific skills that employers are looking for in potential apprenticeship candidates.
- Prepare for future trades training.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for a pre-apprenticeship training program at Mohawk College, you must:
- Be a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- Minimum of 16 years of age and eligible to work in Ontario.
- Have your high school diploma/GED or equivalent. Exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis depending on the requirements of the trade. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a high school diploma/GED.
- Be willing and able to commit to a full-time program (approx. 30 hours per week).
Ministry Funded Pre-Apprenticeship
Training Programs 2026
Mohawk College's Sheetmetal Worker
Pre-apprenticeship
- In-class training: July 6-Septmber 11
Paid work placement: September 21-November 27
Join mailing list here
Join mailing list for upcoming mandatory information session
and next steps
Mohawk College's Industrial Painter and Decorator Try-A-Trade
- In-class training: October 5-December 45
Paid work placement: December 14-February
Join mailing list here
Join mailing list for upcoming mandatory information session
and next steps
The Career Foundation’s General Carpenter Pre-Apprenticeship Program ** is delivered in partnership with Mohawk College and the Carpenter’s Union Local 18.
This program trains youth, between the ages of 18 and 29, for a career in carpentry/construction.
Click here for more information
**Pending Ministry approval
YMCA's Truck and Coach Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program** is delivered in partnership with Mohawk College.
This program includes
- Employment Readiness Workshops
- Level 1 Training at Mohawk College
- Paid work placement
Click here for more information
**Pending Ministry approval
YWCA's Auto Body & Collision Damage Repairer
Pre-Apprenticeship Program**
Click on the image for more information about
YWCA pre-apprenticeships
**pending Ministry approval
Scan to register
YWCA's Welder
Pre-Apprenticeship Program**
Click on the image for more information about
YWCA pre-apprenticeships
**pending Ministry approval
Scan to register
Landscape Ontario is excited to introduce you to the Horticultural Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program!
This Horticulture Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program** offers hands-on technical and pre-employment training to individuals interested in working in the horticulture trade.
This program develops skills for outdoor careers in grounds management, horticulture, landscape construction, turf management, irrigation, and related fields.
Click here to register for an information session
**pending Ministry approval
Skills for Change's Road Ready is a Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program** designed to equip individuals with the technical and employability skills needed to begin a career in the skilled trades. Funded to address the growing shortage in high-demand industries, the program helps bridge the gap between the skills individuals currently have and what employers are looking for in today’s workforce.
The program focuses on two trade areas: the Automotive Service Technician as the primary trade, and Auto Body and Collision Damage Repair as the secondary. Training is delivered in partnership with Mohawk College in Hamilton.
Click here for more information
**pending Ministry approval
Interested in finding out more? email: preapprenticeship [at] mohawkcollege.ca (preapprenticeship[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)
Interested in other trade areas? Check under Programs and Courses on the Mohawk College website. Look for the Program Coordinator associated with each of the programs for contact information.
Questions?
Connect with an Apprenticeship Specialist
