News & Updates

What is Gateway to the Trades?

Gateway to the Trades is a part-time, facilitated skilled trades exploration and employment-readiness program that will equip participants with the skills and connections to find meaningful employment in the skilled trades.

Join us for 5 weeks of programming that includes:

* Skilled trades career awareness;

* Health and safety training;

* Numeracy skills for the trades;

* Financial literacy; and

* Job search and interview skills.

Participants will also make connections with skilled trades employers who are hiring, and receive wrap-around supports, such as tools and safety equipment, that will support their employment needs.

Registration Information:

Apply by August 15, 2022 to be considered for this program.

Please join HIEC-ApprenticeSearch.com for monthly peer mentorship groups for Women in the skilled trades, which take place the second Tuesday of every month.

Each month we will bring women working in the skilled trades together through conversation and connection. This group is for anyone who identifies as a woman who is learning/working in the skilled trade sector or thinking about starting a career in the skilled trades.

BOLT Women in Construction Trades Scholarship

Are you a female apprentice working in the construction sector?

Successful applicants will receive $500 to support their in-class training and will also benefit from access to a female mentor from their own or similar trade to help provide additional support, share their experience and advice on advancing in the industry.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Registered female apprentice and a member of OCOT
• You can demonstrate financial need
• You are 17-29 years old living in the GTA

Join ApprenticeSearch.com on November 25th, from 12-1 pm for a Finding Employment In the Skilled Trades webinar.

Attendees can expect to learn the following:

• Tips and tricks for finding employment;
• How to stand out to employers and what employers are looking for;
• Learn about Apprenticesearch.com, a digital platform that provides intentional matching for apprentices and employers looking to hire;
• Learn about free programs and services offered through Apprenticessearch.com.

Humber College is offering an 8-week PAID program to help youth make a successful transition into the Finish Carpentry skilled trade. Participants will earn minimum wage to attend classes (30 hrs/week). If you’re exploring the trades and not sure what to pursue, this could be the program for you - whether you have completed high school or not.

We will even provide support to help you find a 12-week paid work placement following the training.

Please note: This program is designed to support youth (18-30 years old) who are currently unemployed, interested in exploring the trades, and are experiencing financial hardship.

This Program Is Funded By The Government of Canada.

Program Start Date: January 17, 2022
Seats are limited. Please apply now to avoid disappointment.

Program Overview
The program includes 30 hours of paid training per week, including 15 hours of trades exposure, 6 hours of academic upgrading, and 2 hours of employment preparation. You will also complete safety training and other relevant certifications including First Aid and Working at Heights.

Program Supports and Benefits

• Participants will earn minimum wage to attend classes (30 hrs/week)
• Additionally, they will earn a bonus for program & work completion
• They will also receive safety gear for in-class training as well as work placements
• Funding to assist participants with transportation & food costs
• Funding to assist with emergency costs - housing, health, legal, etc.

Please attend an information session to learn more.

Avenues to Apprenticeship is an 18-week, free program offered by our partner, ApprenticeSearch.com. It provides racialized youth who are interested in the trades with four weeks of paid training, a 14 week employment opportunity, and a variety of other supports (like job coaching and access to mentors) to help start a career in the skilled trades.

Not sure what trade you should pursue? Don’t worry - this program will include career awareness learning, including a skills, interests and personality assessment, that will help you focus on the right opportunities for you.

In addition, you’ll receive a clothing and tool stipend to prepare you for employment, personal protective equipment that will allow you to work safely during COVID-19, the technology required to complete training, and support for childcare needs if necessary.

Who is this program for?

This program is designed for young people who:

• Are interested in a career in the skilled trades, but don’t know how to get started
• Have experienced barriers to employment in the skilled trades and are looking for support
• Would like to gain skilled trades knowledge and experience before pursuing a pre-apprenticeship program

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you are a BIPOC Canadian who is:

- Between the ages of 17-30

- Eligible to work in Canada

- Living in the GTA

- Available for 4 weeks of paid training, beginning October 2021

- Available for a 14 week employment opportunity, beginning in November 2021

How do I apply?