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Programs

Pre-Trades/Technology

PRETSchool of Skilled Trades

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Key Details

Program Start Dates

September 2025

Please visit Ontario College Application Service to learn more about start dates.

Program Delivery

Campus / Full-time

Credential

Ontario College Certificate

Program Duration

2 Semesters

Program Contacts

Andrew Young

Program Coordinator / Professor

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705-566-8101 ext.7696
International Admissions
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Program Overview

Unsure of your career path? Take a step toward pursuing a career in skilled trades or engineering technology

Do you enjoy hands-on work but don’t know which trade to pursue? Or maybe you’re drawn to the field of engineering technology and want to know more. Explore career options and improve your technical, math, and English skills while you learn the fundamentals of the electrical, mechanical, and carpentry fields. Cambrian’s comprehensive program helps you enhance a wide range of core and technical skills by combining theory with hands-on training in labs and trade shops. 
 
Through practical class projects like framing and roofing a shed, or repairing an engine in a snowmobile, you’ll learn the basics of work safety, measuring instruments, and hand and power tools. A partnership with the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) allows you to take industry certification courses at a reduced rate during the program. 

Program Highlights

Program highlights 

  • Gain missing admission requirements and/or explore careers in trades and engineering technology 
  • Develop a wide set of skills and knowledge that will put you on the path to success in trades and tech
  • Option to receive IHSA training and other industry certifications 
  • Opportunity to develop a personalized career path 

Admissions

Admission requirements

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (30 credits) or equivalent or mature student status.

International Student Admissions

Are you an international student? Learn more about additional requirements.

Learn more

Program delivery

Program delivery

2025-2026

Fall term start

  • Semester 1: Fall 2025
  • Semester 2: Winter 2026

Program of Study

Program of study for 2025-26 Academic Year 

Students are required to successfully complete an online Lab Safety course (in Moodle) when starting their program at Cambrian.  This course must be completed prior to entering the labs (as identified in the table below) in the Schools of Skills Training, Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies. 

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
PRT 1000Applied Technology I 14
PRT 1009Exploring Careers in Trades and Tech 14
ENG 1212Foundations of College English3
SCI 1007Science for Trades and Tech 13
ELN 1122Electrical for Trades and Tech 13
PRT 1115Computers for Trades and Tech3
MTH 1173Math for Trades and Tech I3
 Credits23
Semester 2
ENG 1002College Communications3
PRT 1001Applied Technology II 14
PRT 1003Physics for Trades and Tech 13
MTH 1273Math for Trades and Tech II3
SAI 1000Safety in the Workplace 13
CAD 1100Computer-Aided Drafting I2
One General Education course. 23
 Credits21
 Total Credits44
1

 Course with Lab Component

2

For more information regarding General Education courses, click here.

Fees

Tuition Cost

Canadian Students

$4,031.29Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

International Students

$18,126.67Estimated first year costView fee breakdown

Important Notice

Fees presented are estimates based on projections for future academic year(s) of study. Actual fees charged may differ from what is published here. A full detailed listing of all fees is available in myCambrian and updated annually no later than May 1 for the following academic year. Students in Academic Upgrading are responsible for any fees listed on their invoice each term.

Tuition and ancillary fees

Please see our fees page for the breakdown of tuition and mandatory ancillary fees by program and semester for both domestic and international students.

Books and supplies

Books and supplies may be required at the course level over and above what is estimated above. Please consult your professor/instructor for further information.

College may be more affordable than you think!

Have you said, “school can wait another year”? Don’t sacrifice your future any longer – you can do it!

Whether it’s fear, financial reasons, or something else that is impacting your decision to start school, we’re here to listen to you and help in any way we can!

Work-integrated learning (WIL)

Take your education beyond the classroom!

Cambrian programs blend academic learning, hands-on training, and community involvement opportunities to help you achieve your ultimate goal – your dream career. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios within and outside of the classroom through work-integrated learning. Whether it be a capstone project, co-op, practicum, preceptorship component, or placement, you’ll benefit from a practical, job-related experience before you graduate.

Field of Study

School of Skilled Trades

Cambrian was originally founded as a trade school, a field where we excel. We collaborate with industry partners to give qualified learners the opportunity to start working upon graduation by teaching in-demand skills. From the longest-running powerline program in the province to our motive power technician programs and much more, Cambrian provides the tools for satisfying careers in skilled trades.

Learn more

Specific program pathways

College or university degree opportunities  

If you are a graduate of this program, you may continue your studies at a college or university and you may receive credit(s) for your prior college education. Refer to Cambrian’s college and university agreement details for further information

Career Outcomes

Employment opportunities

Successful graduates are eligible to apply to a number of programs offered through Cambrian College’s School of Skills Training and the Schools of Engineering Technology and Environmental Studies. The Pre-Trades/Technology program is the preferred designated preparatory program for admission to Cambrian College Trades and Technology programs.

Successful completion of the Pre-Trades/Technology program also provides students who have obtained their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, but lack key English and math prerequisites, to be eligible to apply to other Cambrian College programs that have these requirements.

media1A radiology student Julia working with equipment.

Need a career coach?

Explore how this program can lead to a great career! Cambrian’s Career Coach platform is a user-friendly, online tool that provides up-to-date and comprehensive labour market data to help you explore career options, salary expectations for the Greater Sudbury region, and more!

See where you'll be learning!

Minimum technology requirements

Success in this program requires that you come equipped with some program-specific technology requirements.

Bring your own device (BYOD)

Cambrian College has implemented a BYOD principle to both enrich the student learning experience in and out of the classroom and to ensure flexibility!

Ready to take the first step?

Start gaining the highest level of skills at Cambrian now – and you’ll be ready to take advantage of the many career opportunities waiting for you just around the corner. The future is yours!

Have Questions?
We are here to help.

If you have any questions about programs, funding, OSAP, deadlines, student services, or anything else, reach out to our support team and we are happy to help!

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