Skilled Trades College of Canada: Programs, Tuition & Reviews

Thinking about a career in the skilled trades? You’re not alone. More people are looking at pre-apprenticeship programs as a fast track into high-demand jobs. Skilled Trades College of Canada is one of the private options that comes up often — especially for its promise of 12-week hands‑on training and a total cost of $14,400 that includes tools and certifications. Here’s what you need to know before enrolling.

Total Program Cost: $14,400 · Number of Campuses: 6 · Program Duration: 12 weeks

Key facts about the college, all drawn from official sources:

Is Skilled Trades College of Canada Worth It?

What training programs does Skilled Trades College of Canada offer?

• Electrical pre‑apprentice – intensive shop time, wiring circuits (College site)
• Plumbing pre‑apprentice – lab work on water and drainage systems
• Construction pre‑apprentice – build a 1,000 sq ft mock house covering framing, wiring, plumbing, drywall, and site safety

The $14,400 fee includes a code book, a set of tools, and all PPE except steel‑toe boots. Students can pay in three (full‑time) or six (part‑time) installments (Admissions). A Reddit user on r/electricians commented: “The school – the tuition is expensive ($9,900) and that’s the biggest drawback/concern but we got some cool toys: code book and a set of tools.” (Note: the official all‑in cost is now $14,400; the $9,900 figure is older.)

The trade‑off: Private pre‑apprenticeship costs far more than a public college program (e.g., George Brown’s 2‑year CNC program is about $26,927 tuition plus living costs (Passage.com student finance blog). But Skilled Trades College finishes in 12 weeks, which means faster entry into a paid apprenticeship. For someone switching careers quickly, the premium might be worthwhile.

Skilled Trades College vs. Public College vs. Direct Apprenticeship

Which Are the Skilled Trades in Canada?

What trade is in high demand in Canada?

Canada recognises 56 Red Seal trades (Government of Canada Red Seal program). In Ontario, the most‑demanded include electrician, HVAC technician, plumber, welder, and carpenter. The construction boom and the retirement wave are driving a persistent shortage.

What is the highest paying trade to learn?

According to CourseCompare.ca trade school ranking, early‑career trades roles earn $60,000–$75,000, while journeypersons earn $90,000+. Highest‑paid trades typically include elevator mechanic, electrician (especially industrial), and plumber/pipefitter. Wages vary by province, but all Red Seal trades offer upward mobility.

The pattern: The highest earners are usually in trades that require strong math skills, safety certification, and union membership. Skilled Trades College of Canada covers OSHA and WHMIS, which are relevant but not a full substitute for a Red Seal endorsement.

How Much Do Apprentices Get Paid in Canada?

What is the hardest trade apprenticeship?

Apprentices typically start at 40–60% of a journeyperson’s wage, rising with each level. Federal and provincial grants can offset training costs (CourseCompare.ca). The hardest apprenticeships are often electrical, plumbing, and refrigeration because of the technical knowledge required and the physical demands.

Why this matters: A pre‑apprenticeship from Skilled Trades College doesn’t guarantee higher starting pay — you still enter as a Level 1 apprentice. But the hands‑on training may help you pass the first year more smoothly.

Is 25 Too Old to Start a Trade?

Absolutely not. According to Skilled Trades Ontario, apprenticeship applicants range from late teens to their 40s and 50s. Career‑changng in mid‑life is common; the key is finding an employer willing to take on an older apprentice. Many trades are desperate for workers, making age less of a barrier than it once was.

• No upper age limit for apprenticeship registration in most provinces
• Federal programs like the Apprenticeship Incentive Grant provide up to $2,000 per year for eligible apprentices
• Skilled Trades College reports that a significant portion of its students are career‑changers

The implication: Starting a trade at 25 isn’t just possible — it’s often a smart financial move. The 12‑week program at Skilled Trades College can get you into the workforce faster than a multi‑year college diploma.

What Trade Is Most In‑Demand in Ontario?

What happened to Ontario College of Trades?

Ontario College of Trades was established in 2009 to regulate the province’s trades. It was dissolved in 2021 and replaced by Skilled Trades Ontario, which streamlined certification and apprenticeship management. The change had no direct impact on private colleges like Skilled Trades College of Canada, but it did make the apprenticeship system easier to navigate.

Today, the top‑demand trades in Ontario are electrician (construction and industrial), HVAC technician, plumber, and general carpenter (Skilled Trades Ontario). All are Red Seal trades with solid earning potential.

The trade‑off: Skilled Trades College of Canada focuses on the first step (pre‑apprenticeship). You still need to find an employer sponsor and progress through 3‑4 levels of apprenticeship to become a journeyperson. The college’s job‑placement support is not publicly measured, so factor that into your decision.

“The school – the tuition is expensive ($9900) and that’s the biggest drawback/concern but we got some cool toys: code book and a set of tools.”

Reddit user on r/electricians

“Poor pay, lack of resources, everyone passing regardless of effort, no raises, and combative management.”

Glassdoor employee review (anonymous)

These two perspectives — one from a student, one from an employee — illustrate the gap between marketing and reality. For prospective students, the key is to ask about job placement numbers and talk to recent graduates before paying the $14,400 fee.

For anyone looking to enter a Red Seal trade in Ontario, Skilled Trades College of Canada offers a fast, hands‑on entry ‑ but it comes with a premium price tag and no guaranteed placement. The smarter move is to compare it directly with a public college pre‑apprenticeship program or try to enter an apprenticeship directly. For career‑changers with saved funds and a clear goal, the 12‑week program could be worth the cost. For others, the uncertainty around outcomes makes the cheaper public route more advisable.