SC Skilled Trades Hub

The SC Skilled Trades Hub is a collaboration of the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, the Thames Valley District School Board, London Catholic District School Board, and Technical Training Group (TTG) to establish a skilled trades school within the footprint of Strathroy District Collegiate Institute and Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Strathroy. The skilled trades hub will serve the region as a means to provide training for welding and metal fabrication to ensure the skilled labour force serves the community and surrounding area.

This collaboration is supported by the Skilled Development Fund from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.

Eligibility Criteria

There are three (3) streams of programming that will be provided at the Hub.

Secondary School Use - Use of the facility for secondary school classes to pique their interest in the trades. These students need to be enrolled in a secondary school.
Apprenticeship Training - Apprentices and employers are required to follow all guidelines set out by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) Ministry. Only registered apprentices are eligible for apprenticeship in-class training and must have an official Offer of Classroom Training from the MLITSD to register with Technical Training Group (TTG) for schooling.
Custom Training/Programs - Custom training initiatives and additional training programs can be offered based on local demand and availability of additional funding streams. These initiatives and training will be provided through Technical Training Group.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this program designed for?

The Hub will serve students, apprentices, individuals, and companies who wish to learn more about the trades, want to train, complete apprenticeship schooling, or participate in upskilling.

How do students apply?

Apprenticeship Training: Apprentices who receive an Offer of Classroom Training from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will be directed to register online via the Technical Training Group website.
Custom Training/Programs: Publicly offered programs and training opportunities are promoted on the Technical Training Group website and/or via TTG's social media. Custom training for companies will be scoped on a need-by-need basis by contacting TTG directly for a meeting and quote.

Are there specific application deadlines or intakes?

Apprenticeship: Apprentices can register for schooling as soon as they receive their offer of classroom training.
Custom Training/Programs: Information on additional publicly offered programs / training will be provided when available on the Technical Training Group website and/or via TTG's social media. Custom training for companies is available year-round and is scoped on a need-by-need basis by contacting TTG directly for a meeting and quote.

When does the program typically begin?

Apprenticeship: Start dates for Apprenticeship training are indicated on the MLITSD Offer of Classroom Training. Technical Training Group Level 1 Welder will commence in early September 2025.
Custom Training/Programs: Publicly offered programs and training opportunities are promoted on the Technical Training Group website and/or via TTG's social media. Custom training for companies will be scoped on a need-by-need basis by contacting TTG directly for a meeting and quote.

Program Structure

Program Duration

Apprenticeship: Welder Apprenticeship training is delivered by TTG as a part-time, evening release program. It is delivered two nights per week from 6 to 10 p.m. Duration varies depending on Apprenticeship level and typically runs for 8-10 months.
Custom Training/Programs: Duration varies.

Program Delivery

Apprenticeship: In-person.
Custom Training/Programs: In-person, online, and hybrid training are all available. Delivery method is dependant on type of training required.

Curriculum Details

Apprenticeship: Skilled Trades Ontario is an agency of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development responsible for apprenticeship, curriculum and skilled trades certification in Ontario. An overview of Welder Apprenticeship curriculum by level is available on the Technical Training Group website and the full welder training standards are available on the Skilled Trades Ontario website.
Custom Training/Programs: Varies depending on programs and training being offered.

Benefits and Opportunities

Certifications

Apprenticeship: Welder Apprenticeship in-class schooling recognised by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development as part of required Welder Apprenticing training (All 3 levels of Welder in-class schooling will be available by 2027).
Custom Training/Programs: Varies depending on programs and training being offered.

Job Placements

Apprenticeship: Not applicable (apprentices who attend this program are sponsored by an employer).
Custom Training/Programs: Varies depending on programs and training being offered.

Tools and Resources

Apprenticeship: Books and supplies are included as part of the registration fees.
Custom Training/Programs: Varies depending on programs and training being offered.

Tuition and Fees

Apprenticeship: Welder Apprenticeship training fees vary according to apprenticeship level. Apprentice fees are determined by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Additional books and supplied costs are determined by the training institute. All fees will be outlined on the Technical Training Group website.
Custom Training/Programs: Costs vary depending on programs and training being offered.

Financial Aid

Apprenticeship: There are scholarships and grants available to apprentices in Ontario through various programs and organizations. Visit the Skilled Trades Ontario website and reference the Skilled Trades Handbook (PDF[19.4mB]) for details.
Custom Training/Programs: Various programs are offered tuition-free. TTG is an approved provider for the Canada Ontario Job Grant.

Contact and Support

For information on apprenticeship or custom training and programs, please visit www.ttgtraining.org, or contact Technical Training Group by email at info@ttgtraining.org or by phone at 519-801-8641.

52 Frank Street,
Strathroy ON N7G 2R4

Phone: 519-245-1070
Fax: 519-245-6353