What you will learn
Welcome to the School of Skilled Trades & Transportation, where you will gain the practical skills needed for rewarding careers in construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Located on the main Benchlands Campus, our school focuses on applied learning that prepares you for the workforce from day one. Whether you are starting a new career or upgrading your existing trade skills, you will work alongside experienced instructors and industry professionals. The school is led by Dean Wade Hutchinson, who ensures that our programs match the current needs of employers across Ontario.
Our departments
Our programs are organised into three departments, each designed to give you targeted training in a specific sector. You can explore the curriculum and admission requirements for each department below.
- Carpentry & Construction Trades, led by Chair Tomasz Zielinski, covers residential and commercial building techniques, plumbing basics, and renovation methods.
- Electrical & Mechanical Trades, led by Chair Bronwyn Pryce, focuses on installation, maintenance, and fabrication. You will learn to read technical drawings, work with power systems, and operate heavy machinery.
- Automotive & Heavy Equipment, led by Chair Ricardo Salvatore, prepares you for careers in vehicle maintenance, diagnostic troubleshooting, and large-scale equipment repair.
Hands-on training and safety
Most of your classroom time will take place in the Tamarack Building. This facility houses the school shops, welding bays, and simulation labs where you will practise real-world tasks under close supervision. Safety is the foundation of every lesson. You will follow strict occupational health and safety rules, wear required personal protective equipment, and report any hazards immediately. You must be 16 years old to enter the shops; students under 18 need a signed consent form from a parent or guardian. Apprentices must also complete a criminal reference check and a drug screening before their first shop session.
Visit the Benchlands Campus
The school is located at 1500 Benchlands Drive, Wrenford, ON N4Q 2B1. Wrenford Transit routes 3 and 7 stop at the Hollis Hall loop, and you can walk from there to the Tamarack Building. If you are driving, Lot B and Lot D are available for visitors and students. Visit the Future Students section to view open house dates and start your application. For more information about trade programs, contact the admissions office at 519-555-0171.