Thinking about a career in skilled trades but want to explore your options?
If you are unemployed or underemployed and looking for the tools to help secure an apprenticeship or an entry-level job, our tuition-free pre-apprenticeship training program may be the right fit.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½'s pre-apprenticeship programs are designed to help you build practical skills, gain hands-on experience, and explore rewarding career opportunities in the skilled trades. Gain real-world experience with an eight-week paid work placement, and benefit from employability skills development, health and safety certifications, and student supports.
We are currently accepting applications for two spring 2026 Pre-Apprenticeship ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½:
- Utility Arborist — with a secondary focus on Electrician Construction Maintenance
- Automotive Service Technician — with a secondary focus on Parts Technician
If you are motivated, enjoy hands-on work, and are ready to explore a new career path, apply for a pre-apprenticeship program today. These programs can help open the door to apprenticeships, entry-level employment, and long-term career opportunities in the skilled trades.
Complete the online Pre-Apprenticeship intake form to join a tuition-free training program in June 2026.
Contact Us
Connect with our pre-apprenticeship team for more information about pre-apprenticeship skills training programs or how to apply.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Continuing Education, Pre-Apprenticeship
preapprenticeship@saultcollege.ca
705-759-2554
Room A1150
Automotive Service Technician
For information specific to this training program, please contact:
preapprenticeship@saultcollege.ca
705-759-2554 ext. 2656
Utility Arborist
For information specific to this training program, please contact:
preapprenticeship@saultcollege.ca
705-759-2554 ext. 2659
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
FAQ
What is a pre-apprenticeship?
Pre-apprenticeships provide the building blocks toward a rewarding career in the trade sector. The focus is to help individuals experiencing barriers strengthen their employability and trade-readiness skills. The pre-apprenticeship program makes it easier for participants to establish a career pathway by identifying, planning, and pursuing a skilled trade to kickstart their careers.
Why pre-apprenticeship?
A pre-apprenticeship skills training program offers individuals the opportunity to gain free multiple trade knowledge, theoretical and hands-on learning, soft skills, real-world experience, and networking with professionals in the industry. It gives individuals the confidence to transition into the workforce, seek an apprenticeship, or further their skills training at the college level in a specialized trade.
The goal of the pre-apprenticeship program is to help meet the growing demand for skilled tradespeople by empowering individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds to pursue skills training and employment in the trade sector.
Program Outline
Pre-apprenticeship training includes:
- Literacy and Basic Skills
- Trade exposure
- Trade-readiness
- Employability skills
- Health and safety certification
- Assistance with securing 8-week paid work placement
Only 34 weeks! Full-time, class hours will vary. (Schedule may include weekends and evening classes.) Program delivery is a combination of theory and practical learning on campus. There are NO TUITION COSTS. Included at the discretion of the program: safety gear, tools, learning materials, and health and safety certifications.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants who are currently unemployed or underemployed and interested in the trade sector (Employment Insurance applicants may not be eligible)
- Grade 12 or equivalent, above age 16, Ontario resident and eligible to work in Canada.
*If you do not have your grade 12 diploma, academic upgrading and CAAT testing are available.
For more information contact,
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Academic Upgrading
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ Testing Centre
All pre-apprenticeship programs require grade 12 English.
*Determined pre-apprenticeships require grade 12 math.
Employer Support RecognitionÂ
Increased employer support and building partnerships within the trade community are essential for the ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ pre-apprenticeship program. Sharing real-world experience and knowledge help students build a foundation in the trades industry.
The ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ pre-apprenticeship program in partnership with Employment Solutions recognizes the invaluable employer support received from the community.
Thank you. You made a difference and contributed to a student success story.
Employers
SIS Manufacturing
Raker Innovative Services
JD Aero Technical Inc.
S.E.G. Services
Sault Ste. Marie YMCA
Ketegaunseebee (Garden River First Nation)
Smyl’s Highland Ford
ISM Industrial Service and Maintenance
Beta Fluid Power
World Cars Hyundai/World Cars Kia
Canadian Tire
Superior Chrysler Dodge Jeep
Northside Volkswagen
GR Truss
Nepsco Electrical & Plumbing Supply
Lakeway Truck Centre Inc.
TimberSafe
Karhi Contracting Inc.
Algoma Tree Service
Rector Machine Works Inc.
Prouse Chevrolet Buick GMC Cadillac
Maslack Supply Inc.
Bud Robinson Motor Sports
Northside Toyota
The City of Sault Ste. Marie, Public Works
Habitat for Humanity
S. & T. Group
S. & T. Industrial Inc.
FP Contracting
Vulcan Fire and Safety Systems Ltd.
ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½, Maintenance and Electrical Departments
Past Pre-Apprenticeship Training ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½
Women in Auto (2023)
Electrical Machinist (2023)
Indigenous Focused, Discover Your Trade (2022)
Women in Trades, Automotive and Motor Power (2021)
Trade Exploration, Electrical (2021)
General Machinist (2020)
Automotive Service Technician (2020)
Women in Trades, Construction and Maintenance Electrical (2019)