Program Overview
Don’t know if you want to provide heat, water or energy? Build machines or keep them running? 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
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) essentials
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.
Admission Requirements
Note: this program has additional recommended requirements. Please visit the Admission Requirements tab for further information.
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Tuition
Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
Year one international: $13,322 (CAD)
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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)
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Hands On
Safety
Working with Others
Technology recommendations
To help students succeed in programs with remote learning requirements, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified minimum technology recommendations. While these are not program requirements, these suggestions will help ensure students have the right tools to support a quality remote learning experience.
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Career Options
As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other trades programs.
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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 or apprenticeship program.
You will obtain the solid foundation required to be successful in many popular programs including Durham College’s:
In addition, you will have an opportunity to rotate through different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge in various fields in order 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 plumbing
- Renewable energy auditing
- Basic welding
- Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) essentials
Program Learning Outcomes
- 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.
- Apply scientific knowledge to all required tasks at a level acceptable for entry into further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
- Communicate effectively, using the appropriate scientific and or technical jargon for future study in a technician or technology program.
- 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.
- Develop and present a specific career plan for work or study in a skilled trade.
- Identify and apply the study requirements that exist in trades programs offered at the college level.
- Complete all practical requirements successfully and at a level required for success in further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
- Utilize appropriate basic tools, technology and software applications in the skilled trades.
- Identify and adhere to all health and safety requirements of the shop as well as any classrooms and laboratories.
Admission Requirements
Recommended
Courses
Please note: Some courses may be offered during a different semester due to changes in program delivery as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 - Skilled Trades, Apprenticeship & Renewable Technology (COMM 1808)
- Fundamental Communication Skills (COMM 1810)
- Basic Carpentry (TFBC 2102)
- Basic Welding (TFBW 1304)
- Intro To Energy Conservation (TFEC 2100)
- HVAC Essentials (TFHV 2101)
- Trades Fundamentals Math 2 (TFMA 2105)
- Mechanical 2 (TFMC 2300)
- Precision Metal Fabricator (TFMF 1300)
Courses and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2020-21 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes. Students should refer to their timetable for the most up-to-date course information.
Career Options
As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other trades programs.
Technology Recommendations
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: i3
RAM: 4GB
Storage: 256GB SSD
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 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 IT Service Desk or the school office.
Weston Family Scholarship
Durham College, in partnership with The W. Garfield Weston Foundation, is pleased to be helping build skilled trades careers with a scholarship worth up to $10,000.
Please visit the Weston Family Scholarship in the Skilled Trades page to learn how you can apply.
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