This certificate prepares you for advanced study in engineering technology, applied engineering, or the skilled trades. You will complete eight courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and professional ethics across two full-time terms. The program is designed to give you the academic confidence and practical lab skills needed to succeed in your chosen diploma or degree program.
Career outcomes
- Engineering technology student
- Skilled trades apprentice
- Technical program candidate
- Laboratory assistant
- Technical communication student
- Academic upgrading student
Admission requirements
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent, or mature student status (19 or older by the start of classes).
- Grade 12 English (C or U), minimum 60%.
- Grade 12 math (C or U), minimum 60%.
- Grade 11 Chemistry (C or U) and Grade 12 Physics (C or U) are recommended to prepare for the program's science courses.
Tuition
Domestic tuition is $3,480 per year for the 2026–27 academic year, plus $1,125 in annual ancillary fees.
Courses
- CHEM 1160 General Chemistry I
- CHEM 1860 General Chemistry II
- GNED 1760 Business Ethics and Professional Conduct
- GNED 1820 Digital Information Literacy
- MATH 1210 Technical Mathematics I
- PHYS 1110 Classical Mechanics I
- PHYS 1290 Waves and Optics
- PHYS 1720 Electric Circuits I
What you will learn
Pre-Technology Foundations is designed to give you a strong start in applied science and engineering. You will build a solid understanding of technical mathematics, classical mechanics, waves and optics, electric circuits, and general chemistry. Alongside the hard sciences, you will take courses in business ethics and digital information literacy so you can communicate clearly and work responsibly in a professional environment. The program mixes classroom theory with hands-on lab work, giving you the confidence to tackle more advanced coursework in your chosen field.
How the program runs
This full-time program runs for one year across two terms. Classes are held at the Benchlands Campus, where you will use the labs in the Escarpment Building and the Tamarack Building for practical experiments. You can begin in either September or January. Because the program is delivered full-time, you will attend classes Monday through Friday during standard business hours. The curriculum is tightly structured, so you will register in four courses each term to stay on track for graduation.
Admission
Admission to this program follows the standard requirements for Ontario colleges. You must hold an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or an equivalent credential, or meet the criteria for mature student status, which means you will be 19 or older by the start of classes. For the science and math courses in this program, the provincial college admission rules require a minimum grade of 60% in Grade 12 English (C or U) and Grade 12 math (C or U). While not mandatory for entry, having completed Grade 11 Chemistry and Grade 12 Physics will help you succeed in the laboratory components. If you do not meet the direct entry requirements, consider taking the Pre-Health Sciences certificate or upgrading your grades through Continuing Education.
Tuition and fees
Domestic tuition for the 2026–27 academic year is $3,480. This covers the full year of instruction across two terms. You will also pay ancillary fees of $1,125 per year, which fund campus services like the library, tutoring centre, and student association. International students pay a different rate; check the Tuition & Fees page for the exact international figure. If you need to spread out your payments, you can set up a payment plan through Student Financial Aid. The Fall 2026 tuition payment is due August 3, 2026, and the Winter 2027 payment is due December 7, 2026.
After you graduate
Graduates of Pre-Technology Foundations typically transfer into diploma, advanced diploma, or degree programs in engineering technology, applied engineering, or the skilled trades. The certificate counts toward advanced standing in several School of Energy & Applied Engineering and School of Construction & the Environment programs. If you prefer to enter the workforce first, the digital literacy and ethics training prepares you for technical roles where you will work with engineers, architects, or laboratory scientists. You can also use the certificate to meet the academic prerequisites for apprenticeship in-school training.
How to apply
Domestic students apply through the provincial college application service. There is no application fee to submit an application to Wrenford Polytechnic. You will need to upload your transcripts and proof of English and math grades through your applicant account. International applicants must use the polytechnic's own application form and submit proof of English proficiency. Once accepted, you will receive your offer and instructions to enroll in courses. Visit the How to apply page for a step-by-step guide, or contact the Admissions office if you have questions about your eligibility.