Power of Trades is a program designed to help newcomers to Canada access jobs in the skilled trades in Ontario. This pre-employment training initiative combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience to prepare participants for a career in the trades.
What you'll learn
The classroom portion of the program builds the knowledge and job-readiness skills employers expect. Training covers:
- Understanding the apprenticeship process in Ontario
- Preparation for the Certificate of Qualification exam
- Labor laws and regulations in Ontario
- What Canadian trades employers expect from new employees
- Summary and interview preparation
- Guest speakers from local industries
Certifications you'll earn
Participants complete training that leads to several workplace credentials:
- First Aid/CPR
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Working at Heights
- Service Excellence
Format and duration
The program runs for a total of seven weeks:
- 4 weeks of classroom training covering employment preparation and an introduction to the skilled trades
- 3 weeks of work placement in the participant's chosen skilled trade
This program is offered at no cost to participants.
Who it's for
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be a permanent resident or refugee convention
- Be an Ontario resident
- Have a strong interest in the skilled trades
- Be 18 years or older
- Be proficient in English
What you'll gain
- Job placement following the training
- Ongoing individualized job search support
- Exposure to over 140 skilled trades options
Power of Trades is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
