Trades Fundamentals

Program Overview

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Trades Fundamentals

Program Overview

Get a taste of the trades and see what suits you best! In this program, you will gain exposure to and experience in a variety of areas designed to help you choose a skilled trade or apprenticeship program. To assist you with firmly establishing a career within the skilled trades you will be introduced to:

• Automotive
• Carpentry
• Electrical
• Industrial maintenance
• Machining
• Mobile crane
• Plumbing
• Welding
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

In addition, you will have an opportunity to rotate through different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge through theory and shop work in order to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision on your future career goals.

Intakes and Availability

Date	Domestic Availability	International Availability
September 2025	Open	Open

Admission Requirements

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or Mature Student Status
• Grade 12 English (C or U)

Recommended

• Technical Mathematics

Are you missing admission requirements? We are here to help.

Durham College (DC) offers pre-admission assessment testing to mature domestic applicants to meet admission requirements in English and/or math. Domestic applicants that are 19 years of age or older as of the start date of their program, and who do not have the required program credit(s) i.e., Grade 12 English and/or Grade 12 math are eligible to take an admissions assessment test.

DC also offers Academic Upgrading. Courses are FREE and designed to help you meet the admissions requirements for this program. Available to individuals 18+, these courses are offered on-campus at DC. Boost your qualifications with:

• Grade 12 Math (MAP4C equivalent)
• Grade 12 English (ENG4C equivalent)
• Grade 11 Biology (SBI3C equivalent)
• Grade 12 Chemistry (SCH4C equivalent)

Tuition

• Year one domestic: $2,722 (CAD)
• Year one international: $15,309 (CAD)

Semester 1 Courses

• Preparing for Academic Success (PREP 1300)
• Basic Automotive (TFBA 1302)
• Basic Electrical (TFBE 1301)
• Basic Plumbing (TFBP 1303)
• Trades Fundamentals Math 1 (TFMA 1305)
• Mechanical I (TFMC 1300)
• Shop Safety (TFSS 1300)

Semester 2 Courses

• Communication Foundations (COMM 1100)
• Basic Carpentry (TFBC 2102)
• Basic Hoisting (TFBH 2100)
• Basic Welding (TFBW 1304)
• HVAC Essentials (TFHV 2101)
• Trades Fundamentals Math 2 (TFMA 2105)
• Mechanical 2 (TFMC 2300)
• Precision Metal Fabricator (TFMF 1300)

Career Options

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other trades programs.

Program Transfer, Degree Completion and Additional Credentials

Qualified graduates can go on to take Durham College’s techniques, technician or technology programs. Visit the Faculty of Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship page for a list of all available programs.

Tech Requirements

To help students have the best remote learning experience possible, Durham College’s IT Services department has identified technology recommendations for each program based on course needs and software requirements. While not required, students may want to consider these suggestions if they are purchasing a computer or laptop for the upcoming academic year.

• Processor: i3
• RAM: 4GB
• Storage: 256GB SSD
• Operating System: Microsoft Windows 10 Professional or Education x64 SP1
• Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 11 or Google Chrome (newest version) or Firefox (newest version)
• Network Adapter: 802.11ac 2.4/5 GHz wireless adapter
• Camera: Webcam/built-in camera
• Internet connection

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Complete all mathematical tasks assigned in a successful manner and at a level as required for entry into future post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
2. Apply scientific knowledge to all required tasks at a level acceptable for entry into further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
3. Communicate effectively, using the appropriate scientific and or technical jargon for future study in a technician or technology program.
4. Apply learning and study skills to all required activities at a level acceptable for entry into further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
5. Develop and present a specific career plan for work or study in a skilled trade.
6. Identify and apply the study requirements that exist in trades programs offered at the college level.
7. Complete all practical requirements successfully and at a level required for success in further post-secondary programs of instruction in the skilled trades.
8. Utilize appropriate basic tools, technology and software applications in the skilled trades.
9. Identify and adhere to all health and safety requirements of the shop as well as any classrooms and laboratories.

Scholarships Available

Learn more about two amazing scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in full-time certificate and diploma programs in some of the most in-demand skilled trades fields:

• Canerector Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $5,000 each
• Schulich Builders Scholarships – 10 valued at up to $40,000 each

Program Details

Do you want a career in the lucrative skilled trades industry but are not sure where to start?

You will spend just eight months gaining exposure and experience in a variety of areas designed to help you choose a skilled trade.

You will obtain the solid foundation required to be successful in many popular programs including Durham College’s:

• Automotive Service Technician
• Building Construction Technician
• Carpentry and Renovation Technician
• Crane Operation, Rigging and Construction Techniques
• Electrical Technician – Instrumentation and Control
• Mechanical Technician – Millwright
• Mechanical Techniques
• Motive Power Technician
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
• Plumbing
• Welding Engineering Technician

In addition, you will have an opportunity to rotate through different trades and gain hands-on, practical knowledge in various fields to make a knowledgeable and well-informed decision on your future career goals.

To assist you with firmly establishing a career within the skilled trades you will be introduced to:

• Basic automotive
• Basic carpentry
• Basic electrical
• Basic industrial maintenance
• Basic machining
• Basic mobile crane
• Basic plumbing
• Basic welding
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) essentials

Costs

The fees below are estimates only based on information available at the time of publication, and do not include the cost of textbooks. There may be additional costs; however, not all courses require textbooks.

Finances shouldn’t be a barrier to you achieving your educational goals. DC’s Financial Aid and Awards office is here to help you navigate a number of financial aid programs to support your education.

Residency

Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident International

Started Academic Year In

Fall Winter Spring

Trades Fundamentals Year 1 Costs

Semester 1 | | Tuition: | $1,361.02
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Program Fee: | $235
Ancillary Fee: | $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $430
Total: |$2,519.79

Semester 2 | | Tuition: | $1,361.02
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Program Fee: | $0
Ancillary Fee: | $493.77
DCSA Ancillary Fee: | $120
Total: |$1,974.79

Land Acknowledgement

Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.

Program Outline

Careers:

As a graduate you will be prepared to pursue further studies in other trades programs.