Free Skilled-Trades Training Offers Ontario Women a Path Into New Careers

Women in Ontario looking to enter the skilled trades can now apply for upcoming free training through YWCA Toronto, with new STAR 4-Women cohorts scheduled to begin in November 2026 and January 2027.

The eight-week Skilled Trades Awareness and Readiness (STAR 4-Women) program is designed for women and gender-diverse participants who want to explore careers in construction and other skilled trades before committing to a longer training or apprenticeship pathway.

The next cohort begins on November 2, 2026, at YWCA Toronto's location at 3090 Kingston Road in Scarborough. A second intake is scheduled for January 25, 2027, at 222 Dixon Road in Etobicoke.

Hands-on experience before choosing a trade

Participants are introduced to a range of skilled-trades careers while gaining practical experience with tools and equipment.

The program also includes health and safety training and certifications, career assessment, labour-market information and employment preparation.

Participants may have opportunities to connect with employers, unions, colleges and skilled-trades training organizations. Personal protective equipment is provided, while transportation assistance may also be available to eligible participants.

The program can be particularly useful for women who are interested in the trades but have not previously worked in construction or industrial settings, allowing them to explore different occupations before deciding whether to pursue further training.

Who can apply?

Applicants must be 16 or older, have completed at least Grade 10 and live in Ontario, with preference given to Greater Toronto Area residents.

They must also be Canadian citizens, permanent residents or Convention refugees and be able to commit to the full eight-week program.

Applicants are expected to be able to work in different construction environments and either hold a driver's licence or be eligible to obtain one.

Specialized tile, marble and terrazzo training

YWCA Toronto also offers a more specialized Terrazzo, Tile and Marble Setter Pre-Apprenticeship Program for women interested in building a career in the construction sector.

The October 2026 intake is currently full, but interested applicants can join a waitlist or inquire about the next planned intake in January 2027.

The full-time pre-apprenticeship runs for 24 weeks and combines technical instruction with practical training, health and safety certifications, employment preparation and upgrading in areas such as math, English and essential workplace skills.

Tuition and personal protective equipment are covered, and participants may also complete up to eight weeks of work-placement experience after the classroom portion of the program.

A paid apprenticeship route toward Red Seal

Women who want to pursue tile setting as a long-term career can also apply for the Tile Setter Apprenticeship Program.

The pathway takes approximately three to three-and-a-half years and combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training.

Participants complete Level 1 and Level 2 apprenticeship training and can ultimately work toward Journeyperson certification and the Red Seal examination.

The October 19, 2026 intake is currently full, while applications are being accepted for a future April 2027 intake.

How to apply

Interested women can begin by contacting YWCA Toronto's skilled-trades team:

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 416-964-3883

Applicants can also contact program support representative Amina Shah at:

[email protected]

Free online information sessions are held every week:

Tuesday: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The sessions explain eligibility requirements, available programs, upcoming intake dates and the steps required to submit an application.