Prepare for a Career in the Skilled Trades
Is your goal to work in the trades?
Even if you have your Grade 12 diploma, it can help to develop, upgrade or even just refresh some skills first. For example, if you have been out of school a while, it may help to refresh your math skills before registering as an apprentice. We can work with you to create a customized program that focuses on the skills you need. If you need your Grade 12 diploma, we can help with that too.
If you are already in the trades and need some additional support, it is not too late to reach out to adult training programs for support.
Don’t let any misconceptions hold you back – free adult training might be exactly what you need. Ready to take the next step? Learn more about how adult training can help you prepare for success in the trades. Find a program in your area or contact LOCS directly.
Assessment
If someone isn’t sure whether they need to upgrade or refresh their skills before entering the trades, an assessment is a good place to start.
Adult training organizations offer confidential skills assessments for those thinking about the trades. The goal of the assessment is to highlight an individual’s strengths and needs so they can decide if training would help prepare them for success.
If someone is already in the trades and unsure what type of support they need, an assessment will tell us where they need to focus their training.
Math
Employers, trainers, and apprentices all tell us that math is the greatest challenge for people new to the skilled trades. We are told that frustration with math is the number one reason people leave the trades.
Adult training organizations can help. We offer math support for those considering a career in the skilled trades. We also offer math support for those already in the trades but frustrated with the challenges of their training.
Apprenticeship and the Skilled Trades
Through the Lens of Literacy and Basic Skills To address the developing skilled trades crisis, a crisis that has been created by “pending retirements, a …
For more details about the importance of math in the trades, visit our blog post ‘Math and the Skilled Trades‘.
Digital Literacy
Our research also tells us that people in the trades need digital literacy, including online research and using software.
Adult training organizations can help. We offer digital literacy support for those in our programs.
Learn more about computers and the trades.
Learn more about computer skills for post secondary training.
Soft Skills
We have learned from employers that the number one concern when taking on an apprentice is soft skills.
Employers in the trades look for people with the following skills:
- Organizational or time management skills that allow them to arrive on time, ready to work.
- Attention to detail and the ability to focus on tasks.
- Initiative and the ability to plan and take on tasks without direction from supervisors.
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision.
- Communication with co-workers, managers, and customers.
Adult training organizations can help. People in our programs develop these skills. Learn more about the skills needed in the trades, including soft skills.
Test Taking Tips
Adult training programs offer help in preparing people to complete their Certificate of Qualification.
People in the trades are often required to have a driver’s license. We offer support in preparing people to pass their exam.
For more information, contact us or reach out to an adult training organization in your area through our Programs page.
