There no cost. The program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Skills2Advance is primarily for residents of Brantford, Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations, The Credit, Oxford, Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge and Waterloo. Transportation assistance is offered on an as needed basis with restrictions.

The training is 8 weeks followed by an 8-week placement/job. After the placement, participants are assisted with finding employment and apprenticeship opportunities. The goal of the program is employment and apprenticeship.

The training will be offered regularly over the next year, 3 cohorts total. Training sessions will take place at Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) in Brantford. Training includes daytime classes. Training dates and times can be found on this website under Training Dates.

Training is primarily hands-on and in person. Online learning will also be used. Learn more by Clicking Here

Here are the criteria to qualify:

• 16+ years old

o 16 & 17 years old, you need parent’s consent signed in the participant registration form and must have their OSSD or equivalent

• Legally entitled to work in Canada

• Able to attend training on specified dates

• Wants a career in manufacturing/construction industries and looking for employment

• Lives in either of these areas: Brantford, Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations, New Credit, Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, Oxford County

• Able to lift up to 50 lbs.

• Able to crouch, kneel, stoop, bend

• Manual dexterity ability

• Comfortable using basic functions of a computer

• Self-identify as female, Indigenous, Youth (15-29), Immigrant/Newcomer, Low-income, Person with a disability, 2SLGBTQIA+

• Able to stand for up to 8 hours a day and perform physically demanding tasks regularly

• Able to commit to different working shifts

• Able to work for a wage between minimum wage and $25 approximately an hour

Yes. There will be limited assistance with the cost of bus tickets/passes and other transportation costs on an as needed basis based on specific criteria. However, please plan to organize your own transportation to and from the training, placement and employment. Participants can also receive Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as work boots, helmet, gloves and safety glasses. Additional financial assistance may be provided in the form of a stipend when in the training.

· Certificate of Completion, Skills2Advance Try A Trade

· FCAW 47.1 FW qualification

· Forklift License

· Working at Heights

· Overhead Crane Operation (theory)

· CWB Health & Safety Certificate

· Other CWB certificates (if completed) – Wire Fed Processes, SMAW, Hand & Power Tools, Drawing Interpretation

· Essential and Soft Skills Training Certificate

· Standard First Aid w/ CPR-C

· Psychological First Aid

There is a high demand for skilled trades workers Canada-wide right now and it's growing. After graduating Skills2Advance you will have the skills to start an entry-level position such as:

• Machine Operator

• Production Associate

• Entry-level Welder

• General Labourer

• Assembler

And more!

Skills2Advance staff will assist you in finding a placement through our local employer connections. A placement is like a job where you will be hired and paid by the employer. You may also have the opportunity to continue employment after your placement dependent on several factors. We will support you in finding a placement that best meets your needs (transportation, shifts, location). Placements could be located in Brantford, Brant, Norfolk, Haldimand, Six Nations, The Credit, Oxford, Hamilton or Waterloo region.

The minimum wage in Ontario right now is $17.20. Wages can range from minimum wage and up depending on skill, performance, shift etc. It is up to the employer to determine the wage during placement and if employment is offered after placement.

Yes. We will work with you to help you find employment and apprenticeship opportunities after your placement. We work closely with community-based, free employment services that have connections with companies who hire skilled trades workers.