The Trades Access Program intends to prepare the student for entry into trades related programs. The student will gain a foundation in physical science. She/ he will have the opportunity to improve their skills in communications and technical mathematics.

This is a twenty to twenty-six week program when the four core courses are delivered. The program can be lengthened by offering other appropriate electives. These additional electives will enhance the program and may provide the student with the necessary skills to challenge the St. John’s Ambulance Standard First Aid Certificate, training for a class five driver’s license and the Trades Entrance Exam.

This program is designed to be flexible to ensure that individualized programming will meet the students’
needsn not only in Math, English and Science, but may also include First Aid, occupational health and safety, driver’s education and computer skills training. It also provides the opportunity to extend the program delivery time to accommodate students entering the program with academic levels lower than the recommended ABE levels.

Potential employers of the student completing the Trades Access Program must realize that the course is intended to be an introduction to the working industry.  Because proficiency can only be attained through an apprenticeship program, students are provided with all the necessary information, guidance, and incentives to pursue the trade of his/her choice.

Admission to the Trades Access Program is open. Completion of Grade 8/9 or ABE math 120 and English 130 is recommended for the twenty week program.

The program can be extended for students who demonstrates reading, writing and math skills at a lower level than the recommended completion of Grade 8/9 or ABE 120 in Math and English 130.

Aurora College Assessment tests in English and math must be completed by each applicant. Three letters of reference from former employers or community groups and a letter of intent must be submitted by the applicant.

Applicants will be admitted to this program based on the program eligibility criteria and subject to space available.

Upon successful completion of the program, the student will have:

• Determined his/her personal suitability for work and continued study in the trades sector.
• Increased his/her formal education level while gaining credits and pertinent knowledge in the chosen field of study.
• Gained knowledge and skills that will enhance his/her ability to function effectively within a science setting.
• Developed valuable employment and study skills.

• Students must complete all course assignments and examinations with a minimum grade as specified in each course outline.
• Students must adhere to Aurora College policies.

At the conclusion of these upgrading courses, Education, Culture and Employment administers a Trades Entrance examination. Successful candidates (those who achieve 65% or higher) are notified and apprenticeship contracts drawn up if the candidate has secured employment in his/her trade. Time credits (if any) are allocated at this time, the procedure for indenturing can now be completed and the apprenticeship begins. If a successful candidate is NOT employed in their specific trade, employment must be secured, then a contract will be drawn up.

As the aim of this program is to combine educational upgrading with the acquisition of relevant knowledge and credits, it is anticipated that students will be challenged. To ensure a high success rate, supplemental instructors/tutors will be available to assist students through the program.