Algonquin College’s Pembroke Campus is launching a no-cost General Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program starting May 20th. This 26-week full-time program is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and aims to provide local job seekers with essential skills for a career in the skilled trades.
The program includes classroom instruction and hands-on training, covering topics such as framing, roofing, finishing, trade-specific math, and workplace communication. Participants will also gain exposure to secondary trades like Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic and Sheet Metal. Industry-recognized certifications, including WHMIS, Working at Heights, and First Aid/CPR, are part of the curriculum.
The training is divided into three phases: Skills Upgrading from May 20 to June 6, Level 1 Carpentry Theory from June 9 to August 15, and an eight-week paid work placement from August 18 to October 24. The work placement is supported by Community Employment Services – Employment Ontario, providing real-world experience with local employers.
Eligibility requirements include being 18 years or older (or 17 with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma), currently unemployed or underemployed, not enrolled in education, and a resident of Ontario who is a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident. The program covers all costs, including tuition, books, supplies, tools, and safety equipment.
Interested individuals must apply by May 5, 2025, and attend a pre-screening interview with Community Employment Services (CES) Pembroke. Applications can be submitted online at Algonquin College’s Community Employment Services, by calling 613-735-4308, or by emailing ces@algonquincollege.com.
(Written by: Emma Butler)