Training begins September 8, 2026.
Program Highlights
- Fully funded training
- No tuition or material costs for participants
- Academic and math upgrading included
- Safety certifications included
- Industrial Mechanic/Millwright technical training
- Welding exposure training
- Paid work placement
- Participant supports may be available for eligible applicants
- Confirmed delivery locations in Thunder Bay and Kenora
About the Program
The Pre-Apprenticeship Millwright program provides training aligned with the Skilled Trades Ontario Level 1 Industrial Mechanic/Millwright curriculum.
Participants will complete academic upgrading, required safety certifications, Level 1-aligned millwright technical training, introductory welding, and an 8–12 week paid work placement.
The program prepares participants for entry into apprenticeship and mechanical trades employment. Graduates will be prepared to register as apprentices and may receive employer sponsorship following their paid placement.
What You Will Learn
Participants will complete training in the following areas:
- Math upgrading
- Academic skills development
- Health and safety training
- Industrial Mechanic/Millwright technical training
- Introductory welding
- Workplace readiness
- Paid work placement experience
Program Structure
| Training Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Math upgrading | 3 weeks |
| Health and safety training | 1 week |
| Industrial Millwright training | 7 weeks |
| Welding training | 3 weeks |
| Paid work placement | 8–12 weeks |
Cost
This program is fully funded.
There are no tuition or material costs for participants. Personal protective equipment, safety certifications, and eligible supports are included.
Who Can Apply
This program is open to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical trades, including those who may need academic upgrading or exposure to the trade before entering apprenticeship.
There is no formal minimum education requirement to apply. Grade 10 math and English are recommended for success in the millwright trade and Level 1-aligned training.
Grade 12 is not required for program entry. Many employers and unionized workplaces prefer candidates who have completed Grade 12 or equivalent, especially for millwright-related roles. This program is designed to help participants build stronger academic skills, technical training, and paid work placement experience.
Applicants must be eligible to work in Ontario and able to complete an 8–12 week paid placement.
Priority may be given to applicants from groups underrepresented in the skilled trades, including Indigenous learners, women, newcomers, youth, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, rural and remote residents, and others.
Delivery Locations
Confirmed delivery locations:
- Thunder Bay
- Kenora
Completion Outcomes
Participants who complete the full program will receive:
- Recognition of Achievement from Confederation College
- Mandatory safety certifications, such as First Aid/CPR, WHMIS, Working at Heights, Confined Space, OHSA, and others
- Welding exposure training
- Paid work placement experience
- Documentation of training and placement hours to support apprenticeship registration
Only registered apprentices can receive an official Level 1 transcript from Skilled Trades Ontario. Pre-Apprenticeship participants receive Recognition of Achievement from Confederation College for completing the program.
Participant Supports
Financial supports may be available to eligible participants to help reduce barriers and support successful program completion.
Supports may include:
- Dependent care assistance
- Participant stipends of up to $100 per week
- A maximum combined support amount of up to $2,000 per participant
Supports are available only to participants who are not receiving similar funding from another source.
Application Process
Applications will remain open until the program is full.
The application process includes:
- Academic assessments in math and communications
- A phone-based intake interview with a Program Officer
- Suitability screening
The program has a target of 15 participants per cohort.
Training begins September 8, 2026.
Apply Now
Complete the application form to begin the process.
After submitting your application, the program team will review your information and follow up with next steps.
[Apply Now TBA]
Contact
For questions about the Pre-Apprenticeship Millwright program, please contact:
Funding Acknowledgement
This program is funded in part by the Government of Ontario.