WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing
Developing the next generation for skilled trades in advanced manufacturing
WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing program introduces youth (15-29) to high demand skilled trades in advanced manufacturing.
- Employers
- Participants
- Educators
About the Program
Canada's skilled worker shortage is a pressing issue, especially in the manufacturing sector, where demand is soaring due to rapid technological advancements and impending retirements. WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing is a pre-apprenticeship program for youth (15-29), providing the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in advanced manufacturing trades.
This program is designed to create a skilled workforce for Canada’s manufacturing future, utilizing employer-led, hands-on training and mentorship. Participants gain access to online self-directed e-learning focused on introductory technical skills for industrial mechanic millwrights and industrial electricians.
Our employer-friendly approach lets you integrate training easily, while participants gain valuable, real-world experience during a training period of up to 20 weeks. Funded by the Government of Canada's Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program, together we can build the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow!
Program Funding
The program offers employers wage subsidies of 50% of participant’s wages to a maximum of $5,000 for a training period of up to 20 weeks.
Program Training
Equip your learner with valuable knowledge through e-learning and hands-on training. Mechanical and electrical theory are covered, while optional lean and employability skills elevate performance. Witness transformations during the workplace hands-on training, spanning up to 20 weeks. Your organization’s skilled program mentors and trainers in mechanical and electrical fields create meaningful relationships, fostering learning potential and elevating your organization’s capabilities.
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Employer Benefits
- Build a pipeline of skilled trade enthusiasts for future employment
- Identify and upskill current frontline workers with an interest in a skilled trades
- Empower your employees with introductory technical training, boosting their expertise
Funded in Part By:
Eligibility
Employer Eligibility
- A registered Canadian business or organization
- A member of Canada's manufacturing sector or a related sector
- Commitment to a minimum of 60 hours of learner training during the training period,
- Commitment to providing participants with 30 hours of internal workplace training led by an employee during the training period. Availability of personnel with relevant skills to train in the covered technical concepts.
Participant Eligibility
- Current employees, new hires and students aged 15-29
- Legally entitled to work in Canada,
- Not enrolled in an apprenticeship program,
- Not currently working in their desired field, and
- Not licensed in a skilled trade.
Still have questions? Download our FAQ for more information.
Download FAQS
Get a Head Start in Skilled Trades for Advanced Manufacturing
Unleash your potential with EMC’s WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing - a partially funded program tailored to ages 15-29. Dive into skilled trades and cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Uncover future career paths guided by industry leaders. This 8 to 20 week hands-on and online learning pre-apprenticeship program launches you into a new career.
This program is right for you if you:
- Are between the ages of 15 and 29
- Enjoy hands-on work
- Prefer an active career over desk jobs
- Enjoy learning about new technologies
- Are open to apprenticeship opportunities
- Wish to ready yourself for future trades training
- Desire to learn about multiple Skilled Trades
- Crave career versatility
- Aspire to a well-paying, in demand profession
Share Your Application with Interested Employers!
Program Advantages
- Gain essential training in high-demand trades and cutting-edge manufacturing technology.
- Personalized guidance from a dedicated Advancement Coach for you and your employer, identifying training and career pathways and opportunities for program and workplace success.
- Advanced your manufacturing career through training that enables you to make valuable contributions at work and in future opportunities.
- Learn and Earn: Engage with Industry Professionals and Company Trainers in a training period up to 20 weeks, gaining foundational technical knowledge and hands-on skills.
- Earn a Micro-credential for Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing and optional Manufacturing Foundations and Lean Fundamentals micro-credential training to enhance your resume.
Flexible Training
The program is designed to be highly flexible for employers and learners. Training is delivered through online self-directed e-learning courses paired with hands-on practical components completed during training. Participants will learn from company-assigned trainers with experience and knowledge in technical topics for a period of up to 20 weeks. The program will introduce multiple skilled trades careers, with a focus on technical skills to support:
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Program Eligibility
The program is open to individuals currently unemployed, underemployed, in high school co-op, or employed at a manufacturing employer who meet the following criteria:
- Between the ages of 15-29 years of age
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Available for the entire duration of the program
- Not in a licensed skilled trade
- Not currently working in their desired career field
- Participants under 18 will require permission from a parent/guardian to participate
Application Process
Not in Manufacturing Yet?
- Participants can apply online
- Candidate-submitted resumes will be shared with interested employers
- Employers will select, contact and assess candidates for program suitability
Already in Manufacturing?
- Share the program details with your employer and express your interest
- Employers will apply for the program
Training Period
The program includes a work placement of up to 20 weeks; the total length will depend on employer-participant agreement.
Still have questions? Download our FAQ for more information.
Download FAQS
Helping Youth Get a Head Start in Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing
Canadian manufacturing is undergoing a rapid transformation. In addition to workers retiring, there is a growing need to support the technological advancements occurring in advanced manufacturing. Welcome to WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing – a pre-apprenticeship program open to youth (15-29); that equips participants with high-demand skills, addressing Canada's pressing manufacturing skill gap.
Our flexible program enables youth to explore and uncover diverse career paths. Blending self-directed online learning with hands-on training, our 20-week curriculum offers an immersive learning experience.
WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing leverages the expertise of seasoned professionals in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing to provide a comprehensive learning journey.
Join us in providing the next generation with hands-on training in cutting-edge manufacturing and help shape the future of the workforce through WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing.
Trades Explored in the Program
Our program opens doors to new career horizons. Tailored for ages 15 to 29, WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing introduces youth to in-demand skilled trades that support the future of advanced manufacturing. Youth experience a blend of self-directed and experiential learning, during a training period spanning up to 20-weeks.
The program will introduce multiple skilled trades careers, with a focus on technical skills to support pathways and introductory training for:
Training and Support
Experience flexibility! Our program combines online self-directed e-learning with practical hands-on training. Over 20 weeks, participants gain industry insights, manufacturing exposure, and valuable connections, all guided by an EMC Advancement Coach.
Training Period
The program includes a training period of up to 20 weeks; the total length will depend on employer-participant agreement.
Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
- Not currently enrolled in an apprenticeship program
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Between the ages of 15 to 29
- Available for the duration of the program
- Not hold a licensed skilled trades certification
Participant Selection
Interested youth participants can apply online and attach their resume. Resumes are stored in a secure database and shared with interested regional employers, who make the final selection. Candidate selection is made by the employer.
Employers are also encouraged to apply online, through our secure servers.