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Trades Pathways for Newcomers

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Trades Pathways for Newcomers

Program requirements

Academic requirements

Carpentry 

Prior Learning Assessment - Entrance Exam

  • Pass mark (70%) on either Exam 2, Exam 4, or Exam 5    

OR

English 10-2 and Math 10-3, or equivalent

OR

Pass mark in all five Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or GED

OR

Pass mark in NorQuest Trade Pathways entrance exam

Pipe trades 

Prior Learning Assessment - Entrance Exam

  • Pass mark (70%) on either Exam 4, or Exam 5 

OR

English 20-2, Math 20-3, and Science 10, or equivalent

OR

Pass mark in all five Canadian Adult Education Credential (CAEC) or GED

OR

Pass mark in NorQuest Trade Pathways entrance exam

English language proficiency requirements

This program is designed specifically for newcomer English-language learners. You must submit your English test results to apply. The test must be from the last two years.  

Students with higher scores may be chosen first because the program and safety training can be hard to understand without strong English skills. 

Test scores we accept: 

  • CLBA, CLBPA or CLBPT: No section score below 5 in listening and speaking 
  • IEALTS Academic: 5 
  • TOEFL iBT: 40 
  • Duolingo: 85 
  • NorQuest Coursework:  
    • Minimum 80% in ESLS 5000 or Course + ESL5100 not Found, and 80% in ESLW 5000 or ESLW 5100, or 
    • LINC Progress Report or LINC certificate 
Immigration status requirements 
  • Permanent residents   
  • Convention Refugees   
  • Naturalized Canadian Citizens  
Other requirements 
  • Do not have a job or are working very little, and you are not receiving EI (Employment Insurance). 
  • Have a reliable way to get to class, work placements, and job sites that are hard to get to by bus. 
  • Own or can get proper safety equipment
  • You must show that you can do the work and have the strength needed to be a carpenter: 
    • You need to be strong. You must stand, bend, and kneel a lot. You must lift heavy materials, up to 25 kgs.   
    • You must be good at working with your hands.  
    • You must have good balance. For example, if you work on a roof, you must be careful not to fall.  
    • You must be able to do math problems quickly and correctly.  
    • You need to work well with a team.  

Progression and graduation

To remain in the program, you must: 

  • Come to class every day (no more than one absence) 
  • Keep an average mark of 65% or higher 

At the end of the program, you will be scheduled to take the first-period carpentry exam or first-period pipefitters exam. The passing grade for these exams are 70%.  

If you do not pass, you will get help scheduling a second attempt. You will be responsible for paying the required fees for your second attempt. If you pass the training (65%) but are not successful on the first attempt at the first-period exams, you will still receive your program completion certificate and be supported to find work with an employer. 

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