Pre-Trades & Technology
Overview
Prepare for success in future technology programs by taking the Pre-Trades & Technology Certificate. Explore career options in trades and technology fields while strengthening and upgrading academic skills.
The Pre-Trades & Technology Ontario College Certificate program is designed to assist those who are interested in a career in trades or technology but have yet to decide which one, or lack the necessary prerequisites for the career path they’ve chosen. This preparatory program is ideal for building student confidence and academic preparedness for entering post-secondary education.
In just two terms, students are introduced to careers and programs in the skilled trades, as well as the two and three-year technician and technology program offerings at Lambton college. In addition, students will obtain guidance toward reaching their own personal goals, develop life skills and deepen their knowledge and skills in subjects such as chemistry and math. Overall, completion of this program gives students a competitive edge in academic and personal preparedness for future programs, particularly those programs in which there is competition for co-op opportunities.
One course, in each of the two terms, can be chosen from a list of options. Students, therefore have the opportunity to take diploma level courses during the PTEC certificate program, earning advanced credits towards a diploma program.
In addition to this eight-month program, there is a one-term program option during the winter term which leads to a Board of Governor certificate. This one-term certificate program offers a full slate of courses in communications, science, math, student success and life skills, and a choice of several options for advanced credit toward future diploma programs.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent
Mature Student Assessment for this program is available in the subject of English for the purpose of demonstrating proficiency in this required admission subject. For all other admission requirements, applicants must complete the required course(s) as listed above. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Benefits of this Certificate Program
It's important to note that the Pre-Trades & Technology program does not guarantee entrance into any Lambton College programs.
However, applicants who have successfully completed the Pre-Trades & Technology Certificate program at Lambton College will receive 10 bonus marks toward their admission ranking.
If you intend on applying to technology programs at another college, please seek advice from those colleges about acceptance of credits from Lambton College.
Costs
- Year 1 $4,250.34
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2026-2027 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Labs & Equipment
Chemistry Lab
Laboratory exercises complement theoretical concepts and develop good, safe, laboratory practices through hands-on activities and chemical experimentation. Several courses have laboratory components that develop safety awareness and provide practical, hands-on experience and experimentation.
Carpentry Lab
Students learn the fundamental practices of residential construction in this workshop. Lab exercises complement theoretical concepts developing good, safe lab practices through hands-on activities.
Courses
Term 1
Term 2
Introduction to Mathematics
This course provides the learner with a fundamental understanding of mathematical concepts. This course reviews and enhances topics in arithmetic, algebra, logarithms, graphs, measurement, and trigonometry. It also teaches the student optimal use of a scientific calculator.
Student Success & Life Skills
This course prepares students for both college academic life and future career success. The main focus of this course includes accepting personal responsibility, discovering self-motivation, mastering self-management, employing interdependence, gaining self-awareness, adopting lifelong learning and developing emotional intelligence. Students identify personal learning styles, communication styles, and personality styles to better achieve success in learning about, understanding, and choosing the courses and careers that will lead to personal and professional satisfaction.
Introduction to Biology
This course is designed to introduce the student to basic human anatomy and physiology through the study of organ systems including the following: nervous, circulatory, respiratory, digestive and urinary. General organization of the body, cells, tissues, and organs will also be considered.
Physics
Physics is the description of physical phenomena in orderly mathematical terms. This introductory course assumes no prior knowledge of physics. The topics covered are those of classical physics which include mechanics: motion and forces; fluids; thermodynamics; waves; electricity; and magnetism.
Energy Efficiencies & Sustainable Construction
This course will offer students an introduction to energy efficient building techniques, state of the art energy conserving systems and sustainable building approaches. Specific subject to be covered will include the basics of Heat Transfer, Building Envelope, Insulation Techniques, and New Technologies in electrical and heat generation.
Health and Safety for Industrial Processes
The graduate of this course will have a good understanding of safety aspects of the law, the legal responsibilities of the workplace, and his/her own legal rights and responsibilities, as well as work processes and procedures being used in present-day industry. This course will give them a basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its associated Regulations, and an understanding of health and safety issues in an industrial setting.
Introduction to Pumps, Machines, and Piping
This course is a survey of the aspects of pumps, piping and conveyor systems applicable to Mechanical Technicians in the Industrial Maintenance program. Millwrights working in the trade will be involved with many different types of equipment including pumps, piping systems and conveyors. The millwright must be familiar with the different types of pumps, their unique features and how they are maintained. Piping systems are associated all other plant equipment. This piping must be selected, installed and maintained. The student will develop knowledge regarding types, selection and the principles of operation of various materials handling systems. The knowledge obtained is considered as background for other technical courses including Preventive and Predictive Maintenance.
General Education Elective
Electric Circuits 1
It is an introductory course in electricity consisting of fundamental electric principles together with an analysis of simple electric circuits. Emphasis throughout the course is on problem solving. Laboratory exercises complement the material covered in class.
Basic Chemistry 1
This course is intended to provide the student with an introduction to basic chemical principles and skills. Topics include classification of matter, physical and chemical changes, chemical nomenclature, writing balanced chemical equations, and gas laws. Students perform calculations of quantities of substances consumed and produced in chemical reactions in terms of mass, moles, and gas volumes. Laboratory exercises complement theoretical concepts and develop good, safe laboratory practices through hands on activities and chemical experimentation. This course prepares students for CHM 2004, Basic Chemistry II, in which concepts relating to organic chemistry and aqueous solutions are developed.
* Option selection dependant upon availability
Electives
In both terms, students choose from a list of electives, all of which also provide opportunities to obtain advanced credit toward future diploma programs.
Contact
Applied Science, Engineering Technology & Trades
Program Information
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Recently, employers have been interested in hiring Pre-Trades & Technology graduates right after they graduate.
Our graduates are also able to transfer into trades, technician, and technology diploma programs at Lambton College and other Ontario colleges.
The certificate programs students may apply to after completing this program include:.
- Construction Carpentry Techniques
- Electrical Techniques
- Welding Techniques
The diploma programs student may apply to after completing this program include:
- Chemical Lab Technology
- Chemical Production & Power Engineering Technology
- Electrical Power Distribution & Control Technician
- Environmental Technician - Water & Wastewater Systems Operations
- Power Engineering Technology
- Instrumentation & Control Engineering Technology
- Millwright Mechanical Technician
- Renovation Construction Technician
- Workplace Safety & Prevention
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.