If you are thinking about a career in the automotive sector and want to explore your options, we’ve got the program for you! Funded by the Government of Ontario, Sault College is proud to announce a new tuition-free pre-apprenticeship program called “Drive your Way into the Automotive Industry” with a focus on automotive service technician and secondary trades training in heavy duty and parts technician. The program runs June 24, 2024, through February 28, 2025, and applications are now being accepted by visiting Pre-Apprenticeship | Sault College. If you are unemployed or underemployed and need the tools to try to secure an apprenticeship or an entry-level job, this pre-apprenticeship training program may be right for you.
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. This new program also supports the Government of Ontario and Sault College’s commitment to increasing the number of applicants applying to apprenticeship programs, meeting labour demand, and providing employers with apprentices who possess the skills needed to be successful.
“Our government has attracted $46 billion in investment over the last four years in global automakers, parts suppliers and manufacturers of electric vehicle batteries and battery materials,” said David Piccini, Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. “That is why, we are proud to support Sault College’s Drive your Way into the Automotive Industry pre-apprenticeship program which will introduce automotive related trades to more people and help them land in-demand jobs of the future.”
Pre-apprenticeship programs help participants identify a pathway to enter a career in the skilled trades. In addition to the trades training, the programming includes literacy and basic skills, employability skills, health and safety certifications, student support, and assistance with an eight-week paid work placement.
“Pre-apprenticeship is a great pathway into the trades,” said Lori Crosson, Director, E-Learning and Continuing Education Sault College. “Through this type of program, we provide the introductory knowledge to enter a career in the automotive trade. We encourage all those interested to reach out and get further information to determine if this opportunity is for you.”
“Supporting a diverse group of applicants is important. This tuition-free pre-apprenticeship program is a great way to introduce the skilled trades to potential entrants who may feel intimidated by the skilled trades or individuals experiencing barriers,” says, Lisa Kelly, Pre-apprenticeship Project Co-ordinator. “Sault College has offered this type of programming in the past, and I have been so amazed by those students who have flourished and exhibited perseverance throughout their journey here. With hard work, many individuals have moved on to employment, additional skills training, or apprenticeship. These successful program graduates are building foundational skills employers are looking for.”
This initiative supports the partnership between Employment Solutions and Sault College to help clients with support services they may need to gain future employment.
To learn more about the program, please contact Lisa M Kelly, Pre-apprenticeship Project Coordinator, by calling 705.759.2554 ext. 2417, by email [email protected] or drop by the Sault College Continuing Education Department, Room A1150 or visit Pre-Apprenticeship | Sault College
This Employment Ontario project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
