The Foundations for the Future, General Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program (F4F) creates a clear entry point into General Carpentry careers for youth aged 18–29, with a focus on women, newcomers, and racialized youth in the Waterloo Region, with training delivered in Cambridge. Delivered in partnership with Achēv and Blue Branch, the program focuses on building the practical skills and foundational knowledge needed to begin a career in Carpentry.
Program Details:
- Hands-on training in General Carpentry (403A) as the primary trade, provided at no cost to the participant
- Exposure to two secondary trades:
- Electrician (309A – Construction & Maintenance)
- Sheet Metal Worker (308A)
- 4 weeks of carpentry training
- 2 weeks of secondary trade exposure
- 1 week of job readiness training
- Paid 8-week work placements with vetted employers and supported by a $250/week wage subsidy for the 8-week placement
- Stipends ($100/week), tools/PPE (provided at no cost to the participant)
- Industry-recognized health and safety certifications, including WHMIS, Working at Heights, First Aid, Forklift, and more
- Job readiness training (resume, interviews, workplace communication)
- Ongoing coaching and mentorship during and after the program
The program tackles Ontario’s carpentry workforce shortage by preparing youth, particularly those underrepresented in the trades, with hands‑on training and paid experience, building a strong talent pipeline that benefits employers and strengthens the Waterloo Region’s economy.
- Youth between the ages of 18 and 29 years
- Youth who are unemployed, not in school and not in training
- Resident of Waterloo Region
- Legally allowed to work in Canada (valid SIN number)
- Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, and Convention Refugee
This Employment Ontario program is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.
