HIEC is a not-for-profit social enterprise with a focus on partnership, mentorship and workforce development.
What We Do ∙ Apprenticeship Support
GATEWAY TO THE TRADES
This program connects participants with hands-on trade experiences and industry guidance to explore career pathways.
A Skilled Trades Employment-Readiness Program
Gateway to the Trades is a part-time, facilitated skilled trades exploration and employment-readiness program that will equip participants with the skills and connections to find meaningful employment in the skilled trades.
Participants will gain key employability and job search skills that will support them in their career over a lifetime, along with specific health and safety training, employer connections, and program referrals will connect them with the immediate next steps in a skilled trades career.
Identifying skills, interests and values and link them to career opportunities in the skilled trades.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Acquiring health and safety certifications to prepare for a skilled trades workplace.
NUMERACY FOR THE TRADES
Upgrading math and numeracy skills directly related to the needs of a career in the skilled trades.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Gaining financial literacy skills to support financial planning during the apprenticeship process.
JOB SEARCH SKILLS
Participating in job search training, including individual coaching, to prepare for finding employment.
INDUSTRY CONNECTIONS
Making connections to skilled trades employers and programs to take the next step in a skilled trades career.
Who We Are
HIEC is an innovative not-for-profit social enterprise focusing on partnership, mentorship and workforce development. For over 30 years, we’ve been working to build stronger connections between educators, employers and the students who will make up our future workforce.
What We Do
We deliver an interactive and informative Career Awareness Program, facilitate meaningful experiential learning opportunities, host inspiring community events, and manage multiple online communities with a focus on workforce development.
Why We Do It
We believe that students will be more successful if they are empowered to make informed and inspired career choices, connected with opportunities for experiential learning, and supported in managing their transition from school to career.
Participants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Age 17+
Reside in Ontario
Able to commit 1–3 hours per week
Finished High School—either graduated, graduating soon, or out of high school and requiring assistance completing their final credit
Committed to participating in an in-person employer visit or networking event.
Access to a computer, the internet, speakers and a microphone. For individuals who require assistance acquiring these items, please let the program team know.
This program is funded through the Government of Ontario's Skills Development Fund. As such, ApprenticeSearch.com is required to collect participant registration forms and to share that data with our funder.
