Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

Woman working in the sheet metal lab

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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 2025

1) Plumber – 306A

The Plumbing Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Mohawk College is a tuition-free program (funded by the Government of Ontario) that is designed to help transition to an apprenticeship in the trade of Plumbing. It is designed for individuals who are interested in working in a trade but do not yet have the experience to secure a job as an apprentice. The program also includes training for Gas Technician Certifications (GT-3) accredited by the TSSA (Technical Standards & Safety Authority).

2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN.

Register to attend a mandatory information session. Please see the Application Process section below to register. 

 

Student working on a piece of a car.

2) Autobody – 310B

The Autobody Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Mohawk College is a tuition-free program (funded by the Government of Ontario) that is designed to help transition to an apprenticeship in the Auto body trade. It is designed for individuals who are interested in working in a trade but do not yet have the experience to secure a job as an apprentice. The program also includes exposure to the trade of Welding and applicable safety training.

2025 APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN. 

Register to attend a mandatory information session. Please see the Application Process section below to register.  

 

 

3) General Carpenter -403a

The Career Foundation Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Mohawk College is a tuition-free program (funded by the Government of Ontario).This program trains youth, between the ages of 18 and 29, for a career in carpentry/construction.  

           

 

Application Process »

  1. Attend a mandatory information session. 

Monday, February 3

10:00am-11:00am

https://mohawkcollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/GWk7h2PUScOBQM7gObOtpg

Wednesday, February 5

2:00pm – 3:00pm

https://mohawkcollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/2POcksIESWmxPKxBV5XyjA

Tuesday, February 11

11:00am – 12:00pm

https://mohawkcollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/jrjFLOSbRGyiuwWR4LeUzg

Thursday, February 13

1:00pm – 2:00pm

https://mohawkcollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/N0wpv1n8TkiHttwTK6OACQ

Wednesday, February 19

10:00am – 11:00am

https://mohawkcollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/YMX_MJBnRvaKdW06BBdIDw

Friday, February 21

2:00pm – 3:00pm

https://mohawkcollege.zoom.us/meeting/register/I6S6ocvvR-erc35RGjw0BQ

  1. Complete a Preapprenticeship application. (available after information session)
  2. Eligible candidates will write an assessment Proficiency Test. English – Language/Reading Comprehension and Math.
  3. Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview. 

 

 

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

Other apprenticeship paths to explore:

College Certificate or Diploma

Develop the skills to enter the workforce.

Traditional Apprenticeship

Head straight into the workforce.

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP)

Start in highschool.