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Ready to explore a career in the skilled trades? If you're 18–29, this tuition-free 6-week pre-trades training program will help you build foundational skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and gain the knowledge and confidence to pursue further training or entry-level opportunities in the trades. 

Get Skilled. Get Working.

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Futureproofing: Green & Resilience Skills

COURSE 3

This forward-looking course introduces participants to green construction practices and emerging opportunities in the skilled trades. Participants will explore energy efficiency, solar, and EV infrastructure while developing essential workplace skills such as teamwork, adaptability, and conflict resolution. AI-powered tools will also support employability skills, helping participants build confidence and prepare for the evolving workplace.

2 WEEKS    •    40 HOURS (20 HOURS A WEEK)   •    100% GOVERNMENT FUNDED

Focus Areas:

  • Basics of energy efficiency (insulation, sealing, HVAC awareness)
  • Introduction to solar panel installation and EV charging infrastructure
  • Digital tools for the trades (AI-assisted blueprint reading, digital drawings)
  • Employability and resilience skills, including: teamwork, adaptability, stress management, conflict resolution
  • AI-powered employability coaching (resume building, interview simulations, stress-management apps)
  • 100% GOVERNMENT FUNDED
  • 2 Weeks (20 Hours Each Week)
  • In-person at the Willis College Campus

Jobsite Entry: Safety & Readiness

COURSE 1

This practical safety course prepares participants for the workplace by providing essential jobsite safety training and recognized certifications. Participants will develop foundational skills in hazard awareness, traffic control, first aid, and workplace safety communication, with hands-on and safety simulations. 

2 WEEKS    •    40 HOURS (20 HOURS A WEEK)   •    100% GOVERNMENT FUNDED

Focus Areas:

  • WHMIS certification
  • Working at Heights certification
  • Basic First Aid & CPR
  • Traffic Control Person (TCP) / Flagging
  • Safety simulations (e.go, hazard recognition, incident response)
  • Communication & safety culture on job sites
  • 2 Weeks (20 Hours Each Week)
  • In-person at the Willis College Campus
  • 100% GOVERNMENT FUNDED

Tools & Trades Fundamentals

COURSE 2

This introductory course builds essential skills for success in the skilled trades. Participants will learn basic tool use, construction drawings, measurement, trade math, materials, and safe work practices, while being introduced to digital and AI-assisted trade tools. The course provides a foundation across multiple trades and helps participants identify their interests and pathways into apprenticeships.

2 WEEKS    •    40 HOURS (20 HOURS A WEEK)   •    100% GOVERNMENT FUNDED

Focus Areas:

  • Introduction to hand & power tools
  • Blueprint reading & construction drawings
  • Measurement, trade math, and materials basics
  • Safe tool handling & ergonomics
  • 2 Weeks (20 Hours Each Week)
  • In-person at the Willis College Campus
  • 100% GOVERNMENT FUNDED

Eligibility

  • 18 - 29 years of age
  • Live in the Ottawa region and be able to commute to the Willis College campus daily.
  • Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have refugee status, and authorized to work in Canada
  • Highly motivated to learn new technical and professional skills

Ready to take the next step? Start the application process by filling in the form below.  Interested but not quite sure if this is for you? Submit your information to get in touch with an Advisor who can answer all your questions.

For over 26 years, Youth Ottawa has provided youth across Ottawa with resources, training, and support to build the skills, confidence and strategies they need to succeed and help build a better community for themselves and their peers.

Our Civic Programming produces hundreds of youth-led social and environmental projects, while our Artistic and Mentorship Programming is breaking ground in creating opportunities and finding performance stages for emerging young artists to access in schools and communities, and our Social Enterprises are helping to close the youth unemployment gap.

Today our programs reach over 8,000 youth per year, giving them ongoing, project-based and mentor-supported learning activities, helping remarkable youth empower other remarkable youth.

St. Laurent Shopping Centre, 
1200 St. Laurent Blvd. Unit 20
Ottawa, ON K1K 3B8
1-877-233-1128 

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TradeUp Ottawa is a tuition-free trades training initiative designed to help young people in Ottawa build the skills, confidence, and experience needed to take their first steps toward a career in the skilled trades. 

This Employment Ontario Project is funded by the Government of Ontario. 

Through 120 hours of practical, career-focused training delivered by Willis College, participants will explore opportunities in areas such as construction, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, insulation, and other in-demand trades. The program combines foundational technical skills with job-readiness training, career exploration, green construction practices, and individualized support.

  • Curriculum is co-designed by the employers in various skilled trades to ensure training stays relevant, provides real-world exposure, and creates direct hiring pathways.
  • Training is delivered in person on campus at Willis College, conveniently located at the accessible St. Laurent Shopping Center.
  • Students will make direct connections with employers throughout the 6-week program, including at guest talks and visits to the employer sites.

TradeUp Ottawa is committed to making training accessible and achievable.  Tuition is fully covered for eligible youth, who can also access the supports they need to participate and succeed, including:

  • Free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hat, safety glasses, safety vest, hearing protection, and steel-toe work boots  
  • Laptop Lending Program
  • Career Counselling
  • Accessibility Accommodations

The Courses

The TradeUp Ottawa program consists of 3 courses, each lasting 40 hours, delivered over a 2-week period (for a total of 6 weeks). Students receive a micro-credential at the end of each course.

The courses must be taken in the order they are offered. While spots are limited, multiple class dates and times offer flexibility.

For 160 years, Willis College has helped learners across Canada build meaningful, practical careers that strengthen communities and power the workforce. As industries evolve and skills shortages grow, learners need education that is flexible, credible, and directly connected to the jobs of today and tomorrow. Willis College exists to meet that need.

Willis College is for people who want to move forward. With more than 170,000 graduates from coast to coast, a national network of campuses, broad program offerings, and strong industry connections, we have the experience and resources to help learners build their skills and achieve their career goals.