Work Starts Here —
Not After Graduation
For every Trade Smart College diploma student, our team finds a 6-month paid technical internship. We don’t just hope you get hired — we help make it happen.
From Training
to Paid Work —
Built Right In
We find your internship, support you through it, and help you turn it into a career.
Work isn’t the end of your program at Trade Smart — it’s the heart of it. Every student is placed into a paid, 6-month technical internship based on their skills, opportunities available, and employer needs. You’re not applying cold.
We work closely with local employers across the construction, manufacturing, and transportation sectors to match students to real opportunities — not just busy work. Many of those internships turn into long-term roles or apprenticeships. Why? Because our model focuses on helping you show up ready.
From day one of your placement, our team is still by your side. Tyler helps find and prep your internship. Carrie stays with you through the process, helping you navigate challenges, adapt, and succeed. You’re never alone in this journey.
Internships Built In —
Not Tacked On
At Trade Smart, paid work experience isn’t optional — it’s built into your diploma. Every student is placed in a 6-month paid technical internship with a real employer in their trade sector. That means you’ll graduate with jobsite experience, professional references, and the confidence that comes from already being part of the industry.
We handle the logistics, support you throughout, and connect you to a network of trusted companies looking for dependable, job-ready talent. It’s how our students turn opportunity into long-term careers — not just certificates.
The Smarter Path
Paid Technical Internship
Apply what you’ve learned, earn while you learn, and launch your career — all at once
Every Trade Smart student is matched with a company for a 6-month paid technical internship. These placements aren’t side projects or shadowing opportunities — they’re structured, mentored experiences designed to help you grow your skills, build your resume, and make a strong impression. Whether you’re in construction, manufacturing, or transportation, we’ll place you where you can thrive — based on both your strengths and current market needs.
- All internships are paid and part of the diploma
- 950+ hours of real-world, resume-ready experience
- Placements reflect your trade interests and strengths
- Access to roles across 140+ trade sectors
- Internship often leads to full-time hire or apprenticeship
- Real work, real pay, real employer references
The Smarter Path
Placement Support
You’re not on your own — we help you prepare, place, and succeed
We don’t just send you off with a list of companies. Our team actively secures internship placements, preps you for onboarding, and supports you through every phase of your 6-month experience. Tyler, our lead instructor and internship coordinator, handles employer matching and onboarding prep. Carrie, our student success manager, stays connected with you during your internship — offering coaching, problem-solving support, and help with transitions or extensions.
- One-on-one prep before your placement begins
- Internship match based on both trade and personality fit
- Ongoing support from instructors and staff
- Help with communication, conflict, or adaptation
- Guided onboarding and clear expectations
- We stay in touch with your employer — and advocate for you
The Smarter Path
Employer Network & Industry Integration
We partner with employers who want job-ready people — and we help you become one
We’ve built strong relationships with skilled trades companies across Hamilton and surrounding regions. From family-run operations to large-scale contractors, our network spans construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Many of our employer partners return each cycle because they know Trade Smart students show up ready. You’ll also take part in Try-a-Trade days with local unions and hear directly from employers during in-class visits — giving you a better view of what’s possible after graduation.
- active hiring partners across multiple sectors
- Consistent demand for Trade Smart interns and grads
- Try-a-Trade days with Local 18 and other union partners
- Company speaker visits during the in-class phase
- Many internships convert into long-term opportunities
- Exposure to trades beyond the “big five”
Don’t Just Graduate.
Get Hired.
You came here to change your future — and that doesn’t happen with a diploma alone. It happens when you step onto the job, earn your place, and prove what you’re capable of.
Trade Smart’s internship model isn’t an add-on. It’s the engine that drives results.
Your Path — One Conversation Away
Questions about the program, Trades Match, or next steps? Book a one-on-one meeting with Carrie, our Student Success Manager.
No pressure. No scripts. Just a friendly conversation to help you figure out your best move. Whether you’re curious about careers, costs, timelines, or fit — Carrie’s here to answer your questions and help you get clear.
Book a 30-minute call, text, or meeting — whatever works for you.
Got Questions? Let’s Talk
Whether you’re a student, parent, or company — we’d love to hear from you.
We’ll guide you through next steps, walk you through start dates, costs, and internship details. This form connects you with a team member who can give you answers, options, and everything you need to move forward.
Campus Hours
- Mon- Fri: 7am- 5pm
- Open House - See Schedule