Frequently Asked Questions, CPAC Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
Q. What is a pre-apprenticeship training program?
A pre-apprenticeship training program is designed to support individuals who want to enter a skilled trade but lack the necessary skills, experience, or connections with employers to start an apprenticeship. Currently CPAC offers two pre-apprenticeship training programs: electrician training and welder training with the following key components:
- Apprenticeship Curriculum Standard Level 1 In-school training
- Mandatory Safety Training: Certification in essential areas like WHMIS, Working at Heights, and First Aid/CPR.
- Academic Upgrading: Targeted instruction in math and communication skills specifically related to the chosen trade.
- Work Placement: A hands-on, paid, industrial work placement lasting between 8 and 12 weeks to gain real-world experience.
- Job Readiness & Support: Includes resume writing, interview preparation, and coaching on Canadian workplace culture
Q. What is the process of program participant selection for the program?
The program team will review all application submissions. This includes reviewing the application form, resumes, proof of education (copies of diploma, degree certificate, transcript or credentials assessments, and CLB scores if applicable to ensure all eligibility criteria are met.)
A pre-screening interview will be conducted via telephone to confirm eligibility requirements.
Those who pass the pre-screening interview will be scheduled for writing an assessment test and intake interview.
Q. How do you decide who are the best candidates for the program?
Program participants who are most successful at completing the program tend to have the following Traits and skills:
- Manual dexterity / hands-on experience with tools
- Demonstrated punctuality, strong work ethic, a team player with good personal and communication skills
- Motivated to learn, adapt and be able to work under pressure
- Mobility (G2 / G license and access to a vehicle for work placements)
- Fully committed to the completion of 24 (electrician program) or 25 (welder program) weeks of the program, including the 8-week work placement
Q. What is the format for the program? Where does the training take place?
Most of the training/services will be delivered in-person. Participants need to attend classes on campus (Centennial College Progress Campus or Durham College Whitby Campus) or at CPAC location at 4150 Finch Avenue East, Scarborough)
Q. Is there a cost to the program?
The program is fully funded by the Ontario government, however, we collect a commitment deposit fee of $500, which will be returned once participants complete the program.
Q. Who will obtain work placement?
The program will help all participants who complete skills and health and safety training find work placement. Participants are encouraged to find placement by themselves that meets program requirements.
Q. Are the work placements paid?
All work placements are paid.
Q. Who are the employers? Are they unionized?
Most of our employer partners are small to medium sized construction/industrial companies/contractors and they are not unionized.
Q. After the program, am I guaranteed a job and/or apprenticeship?
We don’t guarantee a job, however, it depends on the employer’s needs and your performance at work. Over the years, 80% to 90% of program graduates remained employed after they completed work placement.
Apprenticeship depends on the availability of electricians or welders the employer has. Many employers we work with have apprenticeship openings, but they offer the opportunities only to those who demonstrate their readiness for the journey.
Q. Where can I get my Canadian Language Benchmark test completed?
For those with international education credentials:
YMCA GTA offers a free service:
Q. What kind of credential assessment service do I need to have? And what organizations provide the service?
For the program, you need to have a general credential evaluation that indicates your education level in the Canadian education system. This service is known as document-by-document credential evaluation. We accept the evaluation report from the following organizations:
- World Education Services
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
- Comparative Education Service – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
Please note: if you need credentials evaluation service, please reach out to any of the above providers and learn about the time needed for the assessment process, as you will need to have the assessment report ready when applying for our program.