Conestoga news

April 24, 2018 8:58 AM

Applications open for free pre-apprenticeship programs

Conestoga is now accepting applications for two free pre-apprenticeship programs for women. Enrolment is limited and interested candidates are required to attend an information session.

Pre-Apprenticeship Food Processing/Millwright program

Starting May 2018 at Conestoga's Cambridge campus, the YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo will offer a Pre-Apprenticeship Food Processing/Millwright program for women in partnership with the college.

The program will run full-time during the day for 23 weeks and also features an additional eight-week practical work placement. It includes multiple trade exposure in Process Operator - Food Manufacturing and Industrial Mechanic - Millwright Level 1.  In-class apprenticeship training will also be included.

Information sessions will be held on April 25 and May 2.

Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) General Carpenter Pre-apprenticeship program 

WIST is funded by the provincial Ministry of the Status of Women and designed to support low-income women who are unemployed or underemployed. The goal of the program is to prepare candidates for employment within the construction sector.

This 34-week program, starting September 2018, prepares students with 26 weeks of in-class practical theory and hands-on experience. The in-class portion of the program is designed to help women secure and succeed in their paid eight-week work placement.

WIST helps women gain well-paying full-time careers in the trades, and aims to build self-confidence and provide students with a head-start on achieving apprenticeship certification, if applicable.

Previous experience in trades is not required; however, applicants should have a passion to excel in the program and the physical competence to succeed.

Information sessions will be held on May 3, May 14, May 15 and May 28.