WILWORKS Skilled Trades
Developing the next generation for skilled trades in advanced manufacturing
WILWorks Skilled Trades program introduces youth (15-29) to high demand skilled trades in advanced manufacturing.
- Employers
- Participants
- Educators
About the Program
Canada currently faces a critical shortage of skilled workers. Skilled tradespeople in the manufacturing sector are in high demand and will continue to be at an increasing rate because of the rapid pace of technological changes in our industry and as current workers begin to retire.
WILWorks Skilled Trades is a pre-apprenticeship program for youth (15-29) to discover and receive hands-on experience in skilled trades related to advanced manufacturing. For manufacturers, the program will help to create a pipeline of talent to fill the growing demand in manufacturing skilled trades roles.
The program has been designed to be highly flexible for employers and participants. Training is delivered through online self-directed modules and hands-on practical components completed during a work placement of up to 16 weeks.
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada's Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness Program.
Program Funding
The program offers employers wage subsidies of 50% of participant’s wages to a maximum of $5,000 for a work placement of up to 16 weeks.
Program Training
Customized training will be provided to each learner based on existing experience
- Self Directed E-Learning: Online modules focusing on skills development and technical theory. Please reference training schedule for more details
- Work Placement: Up to 16 weeks
- Lists of suggested work experience activities are provided to support the work placement
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Employer Benefits
- Create a pipeline of future employees with an interest in manufacturing skilled trades
- Identify and upskill current frontline workers with an interest in a skilled trade
- Provide introductory technical training to upskill current employees
Eligibility
Employer Eligibility
- A registered Canadian business or organization
- A member of Canada's manufacturing sector or a related sector
Participant Eligibility
- Employers may enroll current employees and new hires, between the ages of 15 to 29
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- EMC will recruit and enroll participants into the program and place with manufacturers based on employer criteria and proximity
Still have questions? Download our FAQ for more information.
Download FAQS
Get a head start in Skilled Trades for Advanced Manufacturing
WILWorks Skilled Trades is a free career and trades exploration and work placement program designed for you to explore skilled trades and advanced manufacturing technology. WILWorks Skilled Trades will open up new career pathways by providing the opportunity to learn about in-demand skilled trades and the future of advanced manufacturing. This pre-apprenticeship program blends self-directed and experiential learning, with a work placement of up to 16 weeks.
This program is right for you if you:
- are between the ages of 15 to 29
- like to work with your hands
- are interested in career not sitting at a desk
- have technical and digital skills
- are interested in exploring different trades
- are open to pursing an apprenticeship
- want to prepare for future trades training
- are interested in building your skills in multiple Skilled Trades
- like having lots of choice in your career
- are interested in a high paying in-demand career
Program Benefits
- Receive introductory training to high-demand trades and advanced manufacturing technologies to find the right fit for you
- One-on-one sessions with an Advancement Coach to help you identify career opportunities, and pathways and ensure your success in the program and the workplace
- Advance your manufacturing career through training that enables you to make valuable contributions at work and prepares you for future opportunities
- Earn while you learn: work alongside industry professionals in a 12-week work placement gaining practical hands-on experience
- Earn a Micro-credential for Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing to build your resume while receiving approximately $10K in free training
Flexible Training
The program has been designed to be highly flexible for employers and participants. Training is delivered through online self-directed e-learning courses paired with hands-on practical components completed during the work placement. Participants will train 1-2 days/week and work 3-4 days/week for up to 16- week program. The program will provide an introduction to soft skills, safety basics, continuous improvement and technical skills training.
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Program Eligibility
The program is open to individuals currently unemployed, underemployed, high school co-op participants, 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
- Participants under 18 will require permission from a parent/guardian to participate
Application Process
Not in Manufacturing Yet?
- Participants can apply online
- Candidates will be matched with an employer based on location and employer criteria
- A short interview will be held to help ensure the best employer/candidate match
Already in Manufacturing?
- Employers will approve the application and participation
Work Placement
The program includes a work placement of up to 16 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 changing at a rapid rate. In addition to workers retiring, there is a growing need to support the technological advancements occurring in advanced manufacturing. WILWorks Skilled Trades is a free pre-apprenticeship program open to all youth (15-29) to discover and receive hands-on experience in skilled trades related to advanced manufacturing that are in high demand across Canada.
The program is designed to be highly flexible for participants to help them explore and discover career paths. Training is delivered through online self-directed modules and hands-on practical components completed during placement hours of up to 16 weeks.
WILWorks Skilled Trades in advanced manufacturing program has been developed by experienced subject matter experts in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
Trades Explored in the Program
WILWorks Skilled Trades is a free career and trades exploration program designed for youth, ages 15 to 29, to explore skilled trades and the latest advanced manufacturing technology. WILWorks Skilled Trades will open up new career pathways for participants by providing the opportunity to learn about in-demand skilled trades and the future of advanced manufacturing. This pre-apprenticeship program offers a blend of self-directed and experiential learning including up to a 16 week work placement.
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Flexible Training
- The program has a flexible schedule, participants will complete 1-2 days of self-directed e-learning, and 3-4 days of hands-on work placements, over a placement period of up to 16 weeks.
- The self-directed e-learning modules are flexible to support school schedules, allowing for holiday breaks. For those currently enrolled in school the program must be completed by the end of the semester.
- E-Learning has been developed in consultation with highly experienced experts and industry leaders in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing.
Work Placements
The program includes a work placement of up to 16 weeks; the total length will depend on employer-participant agreement.
Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
- Between the ages of 15-29
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- Available for the duration the program
- Participants under the age of 18 will require permission from a parent or guardian to participate
Participant Selection
Applications will be reviewed, and potential placements will be based on employer criteria and proximity