Pre-Apprenticeship Training

Training & Workforce Development

Credential Earned: Training Certificate

Campus: Timmins

Length: 29 or 31 Weeks

Type of Course or Program: Northern College Certificate of Completion
Cost: Free
Start Dates: July 6, 2026

Get Started

Pre-apprenticeship training is designed to provide eligible individuals with exposure to the trades. Training is funded by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and offered at our Timmins Campus. These programs help participants develop foundational skills, gain hands-on experience, and prepare for apprenticeship opportunities in their chosen trade.

What’s Included

Assessment in math and literacy with Academic Upgrading
Trade Readiness health and safety training and an intro to a secondary trade
Level 1 Theory and hands-on learning
An 8-week work placement

Certifications and Career Opportunities

Graduates of pre-apprenticeship training will gain:

Foundational knowledge of the trade.
Health and Safety Certifications.
Accreditation for Level 1 training upon becoming registered as an apprentice upon successful completion.
The ability to start working as helpers or registered apprentices.

Eligibility & Requirements

To be considered for a pre-apprenticeship training program at Northern College, you must:

Be a minimum of 16 years of age and be eligible to work in Ontario. Participants under 18 years of age must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent.
Be a permanent resident or Canadian citizen.
Have an academic assessment and proof of education.
Be willing and able to commit to a full-time program.

Millwright 29 Week Pre-Apprenticeship

Industrial Mechanics (Millwrights) work on industrial machinery and mechanical equipment and components. This equipment may include mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, lubrication, cooling, and exhaust systems.

Some of the components they work on include pumps, fans, tanks, conveyors, presses, generators, and pneumatic and hydraulic controls.

Welding 31 Week Pre-Apprenticeship

The Welding Pre-Apprenticeship Program is an in-depth training course designed for individuals aspiring to become skilled professionals in the welding industry.

It combines theoretical learning with practical training, ensuring apprentices gain both knowledge and hands-on experience through a paid work placement. Apprentices learn to permanently fuse and cut metals using various welding processes (e.g., SMAW, GMAW, GTAW).

Application Process

Complete a pre-apprenticeship application.
Eligible candidates will be invited for an interview.

More Information

Interested in exploring other trades? Check under Programs & Courses on the Northern College website. Contact the Program Coordinator associated with each program for more information.

Training & Workforce Development

Solutions for a Powerful Workforce

We offer specialized training opportunities to help you develop skills to advance in your field, master a new interest, or fast-track you for success in industries with high demand for skilled labourers.

Whether seeking health and safety training, corporate training, or trades and industry skills training, we are here for your needs, your organization, and your success.

Browse All Training Courses

Northern Training Division pottery class at Northern College

Northern Training Division welding training at Northern College

Seeking industry training opportunities for employees?

training@northern.on.ca