CREW

Carpentry & Residential Electrical
Worker Pre-apprenticeship Program

CREW | Carpentry & Residential Electrical
Worker Pre-apprenticeship Program

The Carpentry & Residential Electrical Worker Pre-Apprenticeship Program offers participants training in two trades, ensuring graduates have numerous career paths, a relevant skill set, shop experience and safety certifications. Free for successful applicants, this 24-week program is offered in partnership between the Centre for Skills Development and the Government of Ontario to support the demand for skilled trades.


Program Schedule  

  • 24 weeks of training 
  • Full-time Monday to Friday, from 8:00AM to 2:30PM  
  • Training takes place in Burlington at two locations:
Skilled Trades Site - 3335 North Service Rd, Burlington ON (in-shop training) 
Head Office Site  - 3350 South Service Rd, Burlington ON (theory sessions) 

This program is for you if you: 

  • Like to work with your hands 
  • Learn by doing (not sitting at a desk) 
  • Want to have a versatile skill set that’s in demand 
  • Want an accelerated training program  
  • Want to pursue an apprenticeship 
  • ​Identify as a woman or are a youth (any gender) between 18 and 29 years of age

Eligibility:

  • ​Identify as a woman or are a youth (any gender) between 18 and 29 years of age
  • Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Grade 12 (or equivalency) required

Program Breakdown 

This training program provides in-class instruction and hands-on training in the following areas: 

  • Electrical Theory and Code (CEC)
  • Practical Electrical Installations
  • Distribution and Branch Wiring
  • Interpreting Engineering Drawings
  • Interpreting Electrical Schematics 
  • Conductor Sizes and Types
  • Wiring Methods
  • ​Sizing for Services
  • Construction Theory
  • Building Layout
  • Basic Demolition
  • Framing
  • Flooring and Interior Finishes
  • Trade Calculation and Science
  • Threads and Fasteners
  • Employability and Essential Skills
  • Comprehensive Safety Training

We are now accepting applications for the spring 2025.

Please note that applying does  NOT guarantee the acceptance in the program. Limited spaces available.

APPLY


More Information:

If you have any questions or inquiries, please feel free to contact:  Emily Spek at emily.spek@centreforskills.ca  or 905-333-3499  x 310

Employment Outlook and Information about the different trades 

What does a Residential Electrician do?
Electricians lay out, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related equipment in buildings and other structures. They are employed by electrical contractors and maintenance departments of buildings and other establishments, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group. 

According to the Job Bank Canada Labour Market information, hourly rates for Residential Electrician range from 18.00 - 46.00 per hour across Canada.  For Electricians, over the period 2022-2031, new job openings are expected to total 45,600, while 37,200 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. 

What does a Carpenter do? 
Carpenters construct, erect, install, maintain and repair structures and components of structures made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials. They are employed by construction companies, carpentry contractors, and maintenance departments of factories, plants and other establishments, or they may be self-employed. Apprentices are also included in this unit group. 

According to the Job Bank Canada Labour Market information, hourly rates for a Carpenter range from 19.00 - 40.00 per hour across Canada.  For Carpenters, over the period 2022-2031, new job openings are expected to total 37,900, while 32,800 new job seekers are expected to be available to fill them. 


Frequently Asked Questions 

Will the program be delivered online or in person?
Typically, the program is scheduled to be in-person, with occasional online sessions. However, we reserve the right to adjust the delivery method as needed. 

What is the address of the training facility? 
During the program, we use 2 different facilities: 
Skilled Trades Site - 3335 North Service Rd, Burlington ON (in-shop training) 
Head Office Site  - 3350 South Service Rd, Burlington ON (theory sessions) 

Is the training facility bus accessible? 
Both training facilities are bus accessible, however, please make sure to check bus schedules ahead of time.  

Is there parking available at the training facility? 
There is parking available at both locations. 
Skilled Trades Site – Free parking is available at the front of the building 
Head Office Site – Free parking available down the ramp, at the back of the building. 

Does the program have a lot of homework?  
This program does require some additional independent preparation hours outside of scheduled time for homework, practice and test preparation. There are some assignments outside of regular class work that represent trade-specific, theory-based learning in order to prepare students for upcoming classes. 

What careers can I pursue after completing this program? 
The focus of this program is to train participants for a career in the residential electrical, construction/home renovation field.   

How does Centre for Skills help with my job search? 
Participants will receive assistance to create a career action plan and connect them to employers. Participants will also have access to a variety of workshops to help them prepare for a job search and work in the industry. 

Are there any costs associated with taking the program?  
This program is a government funded pre-apprenticeship, meaning there is no cost on the participant to attend the training. It is important to note that there will still be living costs associated to being part of the program such as individual housing, gas, food, etc. 

What will I have to buy vs. what is provided? 
As a successful applicant into the program, you will not need to make any personal financial investments. We provide work boots and safety glasses, dust masks, textbooks and a tool kit to use during the program and keep after graduation.  

Will I be certified as an electrician/carpenter once I finish the program? 
This program offers a Pre-apprenticeship certificate and transcript that will prepare you to enter employment that leads to apprenticeship.  

The CREW program offers many career paths upon completion. If apprenticeship is the path you want to pursue, you can work with your job coach to discuss options available for you based on the employment conditions at that time. The CREW program curriculum aligns closely with the first-year apprentice training, and it will prepare you with the skills and confidence to pursue an apprenticeship.  

Upon completion, you would still be required to complete apprenticeship level training, as outlined in the apprenticeship guidelines of Ontario. For more information regarding the apprenticeship process and requirements, please visit: Apprenticeship in Ontario | ontario.ca 

Funded by:

This program is funded by the Government of Ontario.

CREW

Carpentry and Residential Electrical Worker Pre-apprenticeship Program 2025

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