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  • Trades Fundamentals

Trades Fundamentals


Featured image for program.
Credential
Ontario College Certificate
Location
Whitby
OCAS Code
TRDE
Next Intake
September 2023
View all intakes
Faculty
Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship (STA)
Length
Two semesters
Delivery
More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person. Learn more.
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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.

New Scholarships Available

This program is eligible for the Schulich Builders Scholarships, valued at up to $40,000 — $20,000 per academic year – which supports the cost of tuition, living expenses and tools. Learn more here. The deadline to apply is May 31, 2023.

Intakes and Availability

Date Domestic Availability International Availability
September 2023OpenClosedApply now
ProgramHighlights
  • Success Stories
  • Resources
  • Success Stories
  • Resources
Schulich Builders: Scholarships for Skilled Trades
Durham College 2023 Viewbook
Lead the way
2023 Viewbook
Read Now
Other Resources
  • Graduate Employment Report [PDF]
  • Attend a Program Information Webinar
  • Financial Aid Information
Hands On
Safety
Working with Others

Admission Requirements

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

Recommended

  • Technical Mathematics

Tuition

  • Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
  • Year one international: $14,530 (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

Hands On
Hands On
Safety
Safety
Working with Others
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.

View all recommendations

Career Options

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

View all career options

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:

  • Automotive Service Technician
  • Building Construction Technician
  • 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 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

  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
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)

Recommended

  • Technical Mathematics

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 (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 and course descriptions are subject to change. Please note that as a result of COVID-19 the 2023-2024 program of study may be modified to accommodate program delivery changes.

Course delivery

More than 75% of this program is delivered in-person.

The rest of the coursework will be delivered using hybrid, flexible or online formats. 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.
Flexible:
Course is taught in one of DC’s technology-enabled learning classrooms and online at the same time. Students can choose to attend in-person or online.
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

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

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.

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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.

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