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 increasing due to rapid technological advancements and impending retirements. WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing is a pre-apprenticeship program for youth (ages15-29), offering foundational skills in advanced manufacturing trades. Participants will explore skilled trades careers and gain hands-on experience .
This program is designed to build a skilled workforce for Canada’s manufacturing future, utilizing employer-led, hands-on training and mentorship. Participants gain access to self-directed e-learning focused on introductory technical skills in mechanical, electrical and machining.
Our employer-friendly approach lets you integrate training easily into the workplace while allowing participants to gain valuable, real-world experience during a training period of 8 weeks or more. Funded by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, eligible employers receive a wage subsidy of up to $5000 to support quality training periods. 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 8 or more weeks.
Training Overview
Upskill your workforce by equipping learners with valuable knowledge through a blend of customizable e-learning and hands-on training. Employers select from a range of mechanical, electrical and machining topics with optional lean manufacturing and employability skills training.
Participants are guided by your experienced employees, who provide mentorship and hands-on training, helping participants apply foundational learning in real-world applications.
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Many of the technical training topics overlap with a wide range of maintenance and skilled trades careers available across Canada. The program has been developed with these core high-demand skilled trades in mind:
Employer Benefits
- Build a pipeline of future talent with an interest in skilled trades
- Identify and upskill current employees with in key technical skills
- Empower employees with introductory technical training to enhance their problem-solving abilities and skill development
Eligibility
Employer Eligibility
- A registered Canadian business or organization
- A member of Canada's manufacturing sector or a related sector
- Provide mentor led hands-on training
Participant Eligibility
- Current employees, new hires and students aged 15-29,
- Legally entitled to work in Canada,
- Not registered as an apprentice,
- Not licensed in a skilled trade.
All training is at an introductory level and is best suited for individuals with no prior vocational or post-secondary education in the selected topics. Some prior education does not exclude participants; however, the information may not further advance their knowledge. Contact EMC to discuss the type of prior education.
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 program funded by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, available to new and current manufacturing employees, aged 15-29. Dive into skilled trades and cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Explore future career paths guided by industry leaders. This hands-on and online learning pre-apprenticeship program, lasting 8 or more weeks, provides you with the skills and knowledge to advance your 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.
- Advance 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 of 8 or more 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 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 8 or more weeks, while learning about skilled trades pathways in manufacturing.
Trades Currently Explored in the Program
Many of the technical training topics overlap with a wide range of maintenance and skilled trades careers available across Canada. The program has been developed with these core high-demand skilled trades in mind:
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
- Not registered in an apprenticeship
- 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
- All the training is at an introductory level and best suited to participants with no prior vocational or post-secondary education in the selected topics
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 8 or more 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 manufacturing. Welcome to WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing – a program designed for youth (ages 15-29) that equips participants with high-demand skills, addressing Canada's pressing manufacturing skill gap.
Our program, funded by the Government of Canada's Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, combines self-directed online learning with hands on training. Participants have the opportunity to build foundational skills in machining, mechanical and electrical fields while gaining insights into skilled trades courses.
WILWorks Skilled Trades in Advanced Manufacturing leverages the expertise of seasoned professionals in skilled trades and advanced manufacturing to provide a comprehensive learning journey. By participating in this program, youth will not only develop practical skills, but also make informed decisions about their future careers.
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 is designed to help open doors for career possibilities and to help youth connect and learn about careers and opportunities in manufacturing while focusing on skill development.
Many of the technical training topics overlap with a wide range of maintenance and skilled trades careers available across Canada. The program has been developed with these core high demand skilled trades in mind:
Training and Support
Throughout the training period, participants will engage in online self-directed learning and may be paired with a mentor in the workplace who will help them apply their skills to real-world scenarios. Additionally, they will receive support and guidance from an EMC Advancement Coach, who will provide progress updates and offer insights, career information, and resources for skilled trades pathways in manufacturing.
Training Period
Training periods will run for 8 or more weeks and can be run in conjunction with a traditional co-op program. The total length will depend on the employer-participant agreement.
Eligibility
Participant Eligibility
- Not registered 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 licensed skilled in a skilled trade
Participant Selection
Youth interested in the program can apply online and upload their resume. Resumes are stored in a secure database and shared with interested regional employers, who will make the final selection. Candidate selection is made by the employer and placements are not guaranteed.
Employers interested in participating can apply online, through our secure servers.