Program Benefits

• All training is free
• Training is offered at Durham College, Whitby Campus
• All safety equipment required for work placement is provided as appropriate (e.g.., work boots/nonslip safety shoes; tool boxes/ hard hats/tape measure; basic chef clothing, etc.)
• Financial subsidies available to students for child care costs, and travel costs for those that qualify
• Employer wage subsidies for work placement
• 12 weeks paid work placement

Program Eligibility - programs are for youth or adults who:

• Graduated from high school, or, left before finishing high school
• Are unemployed or underemployed
• Represent an equity deserving group
• A Canadian Citizen or a Permanent Resident; living in Ontario

Pre-Apprenticeship Programs will run from May 2026 though December 2026 and will include:

• Academic Upgrading (3 weeks of math and communications training)
• Introduction to Secondary Trade
• Primary Trade
• Health and Safety
• Job Readiness
• Work Placement

Still have questions? Email us at preapprenticeship@durhamcollege.ca.

Program Overview

The welding sector is a vital part of Canada’s economy, supporting infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and construction industries. With strong and sustained demand for skilled tradespeople, welding offers excellent career opportunities across a wide range of sectors. This pre-apprenticeship program is designed to provide you with the foundational skills and hands-on experience needed to begin a career in welding. You will develop proficiency in multiple welding processes while building essential knowledge in blueprint reading, metal preparation and fitting, and safe shop practices.

Throughout the program, you will gain an understanding of different metals and their properties, and refine the technical precision and hand-eye coordination required to perform high-quality work. Training emphasizes real-world applications to prepare you for work in structural steel, pressure vessels, manufacturing, and related industries. Whether you are looking to build, fabricate, or repair, this program equips you with the skills, confidence, and industry awareness needed to take the next step toward an apprenticeship and a rewarding career in the skilled trades.

Program Details

Apprentices will be prepared to work in the manufacturing and construction sectors with the skills and knowledge to find entry level employment opportunities in a number of areas such as welding shops, manufacturers of metal products, piping and structural contractors, automotive and aircraft manufacturers, repair and maintenance services, building and construction industries, railroad and railcar industries and wind turbine manufacturers.

Primary Group: Women and Newcomers

Primary Trade: Welder (456A)

Secondary Trade: Industrial Mechanic Millwright

Program Outcomes

The Welding program develops the technical knowledge of multiple welding processes and teaches the following:

• The content and organization of drawings, and the purpose and function of common types of lines found on drawings and common views and presentations found on drawings
• The fundamental causes of distortion, and methods used to prevent and correct it.
• How to perform fillet welds and groove welds using:
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process as per government safety regulations
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process as per government safety regulations
  • Manufacturer’s recommendations
  • Approved industry standards with a focus on meeting or exceeding the testing requirements of CSA W47.1 regarding weld quality
• How to perform safe set-up, operation, and correction of common cutting faults for the Oxy-Fuel Cutting equipment.

Program Overview

This program provides a strong foundation for an exciting and rewarding career in the food service industry. Through hands-on training in our professional kitchen labs, you will develop essential skills in food preparation, cooking techniques, and kitchen safety. You will also build a strong understanding of workplace practices and professionalism required in fast-paced culinary environments.

In addition to technical skills, the program supports your development in communication, teamwork, and basic computer applications, while introducing key concepts in culinary management. You will gain valuable real-world experience through a field placement with a school-approved industry partner, as well as practical training in our award-winning campus restaurant, Bistro 67. By the end of the program, you will be well-prepared to pursue an apprenticeship and begin your career in the culinary industry with confidence.

Program Details

Graduates of this program will be prepared to work in a variety of food service environments, with the skills and knowledge to pursue entry-level employment opportunities in commercial kitchens, restaurants, catering operations, institutional settings, hotels, and food production facilities.

Throughout the program, you will learn fundamental culinary techniques, including food preparation, cooking methods, knife skills, and kitchen organization. Training will also emphasize food safety and sanitation standards, menu execution, and efficient workflow in professional kitchen environments.

You will develop the ability to prepare and present a wide range of dishes while working collaboratively as part of a kitchen team. The program also introduces you to inventory control, basic costing, and kitchen operations, helping you understand how culinary skills translate into a successful food service business.

With a combination of theoretical instruction and extensive hands-on training, you will build the confidence, discipline, and adaptability required to succeed in fast-paced culinary settings and take the next step toward a cook apprenticeship.

Primary Group: Women and Newcomers

Primary Trade: Cook (415A)

Secondary Trade: Baker (423A)

Program Outcomes

The Cook Pre-Apprenticeship program develops learners’ knowledge and practical skills in the fundamental principles of food preparation, safety, and professional kitchen operations. Graduates of the program will be able to:

• Apply safe food handling practices, sanitation standards, and workplace safety procedures in a commercial kitchen environment
• Demonstrate an understanding of nutrition, food products, and their relationship to menu planning and preparation
• Utilize basic business and operational skills relevant to the hospitality and food service industry
• Apply culinary theories and terminology, including knowledge of meat cuts, poultry and fowl, cooking methods, beverages, and the use of wine in cooking
• Prepare, present, and evaluate a variety of food products using professional techniques, including knife skills, baking, and food production methods
• Demonstrate the use of both contemporary and classical garnishing techniques to enhance food presentation
• Apply foundational baking principles and techniques in the preparation and production of baked goods

To address the skilled trades shortage in Canada, Durham College (DC) has launched three Pre-Apprenticeship programs for aspiring workers looking to advance in or enter the skilled trades. With expected funding from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, these programs are specially designed to help employment-seekers gain the materials and skills they need to enter the trades.

DC is looking for work placement partners to help our pre-apprentices acquire the invaluable hands-on learning needed to launch their careers. Pre-apprentices require 240-480 placement hours over an 8-12-week period to complete the program.

To help offset the cost to you, as the placement partner, wage subsidies are available through the Pre-Apprenticeship Program.  Not only do these paid placements help prepare students for their profession, but they are also an opportunity for the partner to meet, train and consider potential future employees. Our Pre-Apprentices are a dedicated group of individuals who are driven and committed to succeeding in their future careers.

Before our pre-apprenticeship students attend a work placement, they have received the following training:

• Working at Heights (for Welding and Electrical)
• Workplace Safety and First Aid
• Exposure to Level 1 apprenticeship curriculum

Still have questions? Email us at preapprenticeship@durhamcollege.ca.