Info for
    • Future Students
    • Current Students
    • International Students
    • Mature Students
    • Indigenous Students
    • Professional and Part-time Learning
    • Guidance Counsellors
    • Parents
    • Employers & Partners
    • Alumni
    • Media
    • Faculty
Quick links
    • DC Connect
    • DC Mail – Students
    • MyDC – Students
    • Self-service – Employees
    • DC Apps
    • Full-time programs
    • Durham Lords
    • Campus Safety
    • Library
    • Online Learning
    • Notice of Service Disruption
    • Interactive Campus Maps
    • Locations

Download our Mobile app
Icon for Apple. App Store Icon for Android. Google Play
  • Campus Status
  • Campus Status
  • Medical icon for DC Are you Ok support services. Are you okay?
      • DC Connect
      • DC Mail – Students
      • MyDC – Students
      • Self-service – Employees
      • DC Apps
      • Hired
Menu
  • Land Acknowledgement
  • Ask DC
  • Medical icon for DC Are you Ok support services. Are you okay?
  • Campus Tour
  • Donate
  • Hire
  • Quick Links
    • DC Connect
    • DC Mail – Students
    • MyDC – Students
    • Self-service – Employees
    • DC Apps
    • Hired
  • Apply Now
    • Domestic icon Domestic application
    • International icon International application
Durham College logo
  • Future Students
  • Programs and Courses
    • Explore
    • Full-time Programs
    • Programs for International Students
    • New Programs
    • Degrees
    • Diploma to Degree Business Programs
    • Graduate Certificates
    • Fast-Track Programs
    • Weekend delivery Programs
    • Apprenticeships
    • Academic Faculties
    • Upgrade your skills
    • Academic Upgrading
    • Professional and Part-Time Learning
    • Online Learning
    • Better Jobs Ontario Programs
    • School College Work Initiative
    • Corporate Training Services
    • Advance Your Learning
    • Experiential Learning
    • Co-operative Education Programs
    • Pathways: Further Your Education
    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Program Guide
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    Drop in and ask
    us anything!

    August 13 & 14

    Register now

    Ask Us Anything
  • Admissions
    • Admission Process
    • Admission Requirements
    • Contact Admissions
    • How to Apply
    • Important Dates
    • International Students
    • Mature Students
    • Transfer Services
    Explore
    Programs

    View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Program Guide
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyDC – Students
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon for CTS Corporate Training Services
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a megaphone. FAQs
    • Icon for How to apply. How to apply
    • Icon of a globe. International Programs
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification
    • Pathways to Early Childhood Education
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Life
    • Campus Services
      • Campus Safety
      • Campus Store
      • DC Digital Wallet
      • Esports Gaming Arena
      • Food Services
      • IT Services
      • Lockers
      • Parking Information
      • Shop DC
      • Sport and Recreation Services
      • Study Spaces
      • Test Centre
    • Get Involved
      • Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT)
      • Campus Walk Program
      • Durham College Student Association (DCSA)
      • Esports Arena
      • Institute of Student Leadership (ISL)
      • Intramurals and Extramural Sports
      • Peer Tutoring
      • Research
      • Riot Radio
      • Varsity Sports
      • Working on Campus
    • Health and Wellness
      • Campus Health and Wellness Centre
      • Dental Clinic
      • Fine Motor Clinic
      • Wellness Directory
    • Orientation
    • Social Media Hub
    • Student Services
      • Access and Support Centre
      • Athletics
      • Career Development
      • Co-operative Education (Co-op)
      • Diversity
      • Durham College Student Association
      • First Peoples Indigenous Centre
      • Housing
      • Library
      • Office of the Registrar
      • Outreach Services
      • Rights and Responsibilities
      • RISE (Reach, Include, Support and Elevate)
      • Student Academic Learning Services (SALS)
      • Student Advisors
      • Student Development Office
    Explore
    Programs

    View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Program Guide
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyDC – Students
    • Icon for CTS Corporate Training Services
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a megaphone. FAQs
    • Icon for How to apply. How to apply
    • Icon of a globe. International Programs
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification
    • Pathways to Early Childhood Education
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • International
  • About
    • Governance + Accountability
    • Accessibility
    • Anti-Black Racism Statement
    • College Quality Assurance Audit Process
    • Governance
    • Indigenization Statement
    • Land Acknowledgement
    • Mission, Vision and Values
    • Performance Indicators
    • Academic + Professional
    • Academic Faculties
    • Corporate Training Services
    • Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    • Program Advisory Committees
    • Services for Businesses
    • Corporate + Community
    • Community and Government Relations
    • Giving to DC
    • History
    • Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations
    • Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
    • Strategy, Plans and Publications
    • Whitby Campus
    • Why DC
    Explore
    Programs

    View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Program Guide
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyDC – Students
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon for CTS Corporate Training Services
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo.Why Choose Durham College
    • Icon of a megaphone. FAQs
    • Icon for How to apply. How to apply
    • Icon of a globe. International Programs
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification
    • Pathways to Early Childhood Education
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Contact
    • Contact DC
    • DC on Social Media
    • Feedback
    • Live Chat
    • Locations
    • Staff Directory
    • Vendor Contact Information
    Explore
    Programs

    View programs

    • Icon of a directory. Contact student Recruitment
    • Icon of a book. Durham College Program Guide
    • Icon of a globe. International Viewbook
    • Icon of a directory. Contact Admissions
    • Icon of a clipboard. How to Apply
    • Icon of a calendar. Important Dates
    • Icon of an award and currency. Scholarships and Bursaries
    • Icon of a hand and currency. OSAP information
    • Icon of a calculator. Program Fee Calculator
    • Icon of a megaphone. MyDC – Students
    • Icon of a laptop computer. DC Connect
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon for CTS Corporate Training Services
    • Icon of a briefcase. Employment Opportunities
    • Icon of the Hire a co-op student. Hire a co-op student
    • Icon of the DC logo. Strategic Plan
    • Icon of a megaphone. FAQs
    • Icon for How to apply. How to apply
    • Icon of a globe. International Programs
    • Icon of a smartphone. DC Mobile App
    • Icon of a GPS device. Interactive Campus Map
    • Icon of a map marker. Locations
    • Medical Cannabis Essentials for Health Professionals
    • Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification
    • Pathways to Early Childhood Education
    • All FAQs
    • OSAP Eligibility
  • Future Students
  • Programs and courses
  • Admissions
  • Financial Aid
  • Student Life
  • International
  • About
  • Contact
  • Apply
  • Ask DC
  • DC Mobile
  • Explore DC
  • Home
  • Programs
  • Trades Fundamentals

Trades Fundamentals

Ministry-approved title: Pre-technology

Scholarships Available


Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Location
Whitby
OCAS Code
TRDE
Next Intake
September 2025
View all intakes
Faculty
Faculty of Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship (STA)
Length
Two semesters
Laptop
Learn more about laptop requirements
Delivery
In person Learn more.
  • Overview
Apply Now
  • Domestic icon Domestic application
  • International icon International application
  • Overview
  • Program Details
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Costs
  • Scholarship Available
  • Career Options
  • Transfer
  • Tech Requirements
  • Book a tour
  • Connect with us
  • Apply Now
    • Domestic icon Domestic application
    • International icon International application
  • Overview
  • Program Details
  • Admission Requirements
  • Courses
  • Costs
  • Scholarships Available
  • Career Options
  • Pathways
  • Tech Requirements
  • Your Next Steps
  • Book a tour
  • Connect with us
  • Apply Now
Drop in
and ask us
anything!

August 13 & 14 Register Now for Program Information Nights

Program Overview

Get a taste of the trades and see what suits you best! In this program, you will gain exposure to and experience in a variety of areas designed to help you choose a skilled trade or apprenticeship program. To assist you with firmly establishing a career within the skilled trades you will be introduced to:

  • Automotive
  • Carpentry
  • Electrical
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Machining
  • Mobile crane
  • Plumbing
  • Welding
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

In addition, you will have an opportunity to rotate through different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge through theory and shop work in order to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision on your future career goals.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2025OpenOpenApply now
ProgramHighlights
  • Success Stories
  • Resources
  • Success Stories
  • Resources
Durham College 2025 Program Guide
2025 Program Guide Read Now
Other Resources
  • Attend a DC Information Webinar
  • Financial Aid Information

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Recommended

  • Technical Mathematics

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.


Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

View full costs


Semester 1 Courses

  • Preparing for Academic Success (PREP 1300)
  • Basic Automotive (TFBA 1302)
  • Basic Electrical (TFBE 1301)
  • Basic Plumbing (TFBP 1303)
  • Trades Fundamentals Math 1 (TFMA 1305)
  • Mechanical I (TFMC 1300)
  • Shop Safety (TFSS 1300)

View all courses


Career Options

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other trades programs.

View all career options

Connect with us

I AM A CANADIAN APPLICANT

Contact recruitment
Live Chat
905.721.3126

Fill out the form to get more information on your program of interest, upcoming events, and how to become a Durham College student. By submitting your information below, you consent to Durham College contacting you via email and/or SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month. You may withdraw consent at any time.

Durham College Programs







Durham College values the opportunity to provide you with information. Please provide your mobile number below to allow us to continue to contact you SMS with a minimum of 4 messages per month




reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam.
The submit button will be disabled until you complete the CAPTCHA.


I HAVE ALREADY APPLIED

Email admissions
Live Chat

905.721.3000

I AM AN INTERNATIONAL APPLICANT

Contact
Live Chat
905.721.2000 ext. 7697

I HAVE ALREADY APPLIED

Please contact the international office.

Program Details

Do you want a career in the lucrative skilled trades industry but are not sure where to start?

You will spend just eight months gaining exposure and experience in a variety of areas designed to help you choose a skilled trade.

You will obtain the solid foundation required to be successful in many popular programs including Durham College’s:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Building Construction Technician
  • Carpentry and Renovation Technician
  • Crane Operation, Rigging and Construction Techniques
  • Electrical Technician – Instrumentation and Control
  • Mechanical Technician – Millwright
  • Mechanical Techniques
  • Motive Power Technician
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
  • Plumbing
  • Welding Engineering Technician

In addition, you will have an opportunity to rotate through different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge in various fields to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision on your future career goals.

To assist you with firmly establishing a career within the skilled trades you will be introduced to:

  • Basic automotive
  • Basic carpentry
  • Basic electrical
  • Basic industrial maintenance
  • Basic machining
  • Basic mobile crane
  • Basic plumbing
  • Basic welding
  • Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) essentials

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Complete all mathematical tasks assigned in a successful manner and at a level as required for entry into future post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
  2. Apply scientific knowledge to all required tasks at a level acceptable for entry into further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
  3. Communicate effectively, using the appropriate scientific and or technical jargon for future study in a technician or technology program.
  4. Apply learning and study skills to all required activities at a level acceptable for entry into further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
  5. Develop and present a specific career plan for work or study in a skilled trade.
  6. Identify and apply the study requirements that exist in trades programs offered at the college level.
  7. Complete all practical requirements successfully and at a level required for success in further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
  8. Utilize appropriate basic tools, technology and software applications in the skilled trades.
  9. Identify and adhere to all health and safety requirements of the shop as well as any classrooms and laboratories.

Admission Requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
    AND
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Recommended

  • Technical Mathematics

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

Learn more about how to book Pre-Admission Assessment Testing here.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

  • Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
  • Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
  • Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Learn more about Academic Upgrading and connect with our team to get started.

Courses

Please note: Some courses may be offered during a different semester due to changes in program delivery. Students will still receive the same curriculum and have to meet the same learning outcomes. Questions related to program delivery can be directed to Admissions.

Semester 1

  • Preparing for Academic Success (PREP 1300)
  • Basic Automotive (TFBA 1302)
  • Basic Electrical (TFBE 1301)
  • Basic Plumbing (TFBP 1303)
  • Trades Fundamentals Math 1 (TFMA 1305)
  • Mechanical I (TFMC 1300)
  • Shop Safety (TFSS 1300)

Semester 2

  • Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
  • Basic Carpentry (TFBC 2102)
  • Basic Hoisting (TFBH 2100)
  • Basic Welding (TFBW 1304)
  • HVAC Essentials (TFHV 2101)
  • Trades Fundamentals Math 2 (TFMA 2105)
  • Mechanical 2 (TFMC 2300)
  • Precision Metal Fabricator (TFMF 1300)

Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

Course delivery

In person

Students will come to campus to complete in-person learning requirements. Detailed schedules, with course-specific delivery information, will be available after registration. Courses, course descriptions and delivery formats are subject to change.

In person:
Course is delivered in person, on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Hybrid:
Part of the course is delivered online, remotely, and part is in-person on campus within a classroom, lab, shop or studio.
Online:
Fully remote course delivery.

Costs

Scholarships Available

Learn more about two amazing scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in full-time certificate and diploma programs in some of the most in-demand skilled trades fields:

  • Canerector Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $5,000 each
  • Schulich Builders Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $40,000 each

Career Options

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other trades programs.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s techniques, technician or technology programs. Visit the Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship page for a list of all available programs

Looking for more pathway opportunities or to transfer to Durham College? Click here for more information.

Tech Requirements

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

Processor: i5
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 11 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
Internet connection

Questions regarding technology recommendations can be directed to the faculty office.

These ProgramsMay Interest You
Explore all programs

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

  • Future Students
  • Current Students
  • International Students
  • Mature Students
  • Indigenous Students
  • Professional and Part-time Learning
  • Alumni
  • Parents
  • Employers & Partners
  • Guidance Counsellors
  • Media
Oshawa Campus

2000 Simcoe St. N.
Oshawa, ON, Canada L1G 0C5

Whitby Campus

1610 Champlain Avenue
Whitby, ON, Canada L1N 6A7

905.721.2000
dccares@durhamcollege.ca
Campus Maps

  • Facebook icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Youtube icon
  • TikTok icon
  • Linkedin icon
  • Hire a Student
  • Careers at DC
  • Giving to DC
  • Ask DC
  • Staff Directory
  • Smoke-free Campus
Accessibility |  Legal & Privacy
  • Notice of Service Disruption
  • Info Centre for Employees (ICE)
  • Centre for Teaching and Learning
  • Anti-Black Racism Statement
  • Indigenization Statement
  • Land Acknowledgement
Copyright Durham College 2025
GTA Top Employer
Greenest Employer
Top Researcher
Drop in and ask
us anything
!August 13 & 14

Thinking of applying to DC or already applied
and have questions?

Register Now
Apply forFree($150 value)