Question 1

What is the cost to participate in Skills2Advance ?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

Where do I have to live to participate in the program?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

How long is the program?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the training you are interested in it can be from 10 to 12 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.

Question 4

When and where does the program operate?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the training you are interested in it will either be at Six Nations Polytechnic (SNP) in Brantford or Conestoga College Tollgate Campus in Brantford. Training includes daytime classes. Training dates and times can be found on this website Training Dates.

Question 5

Is the training in person or online?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 6

How do I qualify for this program?

Accepted Answer

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 one of the following: female, Indigenous, Youth (15-29),  Low-income, Person with a disability, barriered, 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

Question 7

Can you help pay for my expenses, such as transportation and work boots?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What qualifications will I get once I complete the program?

Accepted Answer

·       Certificate of Completion, Skills2Advance Try A Trade
·      A welding certification (except for Home Building)
·       Forklift License
·       Working at Heights
·       CWB Health & Safety Certificate
·       Essential and Soft Skills Training Certificate
·       Standard First Aid w/ CPR-C
·       Psychological First Aid

Question 9

What are the career paths I could pursue after graduation?

Accepted Answer

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 one of these entry-level positions depending on what training you take such as:
• Machine Operator
• Production Associate
• Entry-level Welder
• General Labourer
• Assembler
• General Carpenter
• Apprentice

And more!

Question 10

Where will I do by placement?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

How much will I get paid during the placement?

Accepted Answer

The minimum wage in Ontario right now is $17.60. 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.

Question 12

Do you help find jobs?

Accepted Answer

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.

Frequently Asked Questions