Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program

Woman working in the sheet metal lab

Start here

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

 

3) Autobody - 310B

The YWCA Pre-Apprenticeship Program at Mohawk College is a tuition-free program (funded by the Government of Ontario).This program trains Women and gender-diverse people, 18 years and older, for a career in the auto body industry.  

           

2) Try a Trade - Ship Repair and Fabrication

Are you looking for a full-time job in skilled trades with free training? Are you 18 years of age or older?  Consider the Ship Repair and Fabrication "Try a Trade" training and employment pathway program with exposure to Industrial Painter, Millwright and Welder.  9 weeks of skills training, followed by 8 weeks of paid work placement.  Upon completion and if suitable, the candidate may be offered ongoing employment.

Mohawk College is offering this "Try a Trade" Training Program in partnership with Ontario Shipyards and Adult Basic Education Association.

Your FREE training will include:

- Technical skills development

-Workplace health and safety training

-Essential employment skills development

-Paid work placement in one of two locations: Hamilton and St. Catharines

Click here for 2025 Program Information 

 

 

 

Application Process »

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

     

Mohawk College is currently pending official start dates for Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs to commence in 2026. Contact us today to be placed on a contact list for when recruitment efforts start! preapprenticeship [at] mohawkcollege.ca (preapprenticeship[at]mohawkcollege[dot]ca)

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.