New Entrant
If you are new to the masonry trade and have little or no formal training in masonry, then this is the stream for you. The OMTC drop-in masonry training program will give you basic trade skills and knowledge that, when successfully completed, will give you the job relevant skills for employment. Please note it is not a level 1 apprenticeship program.
Program Overview
The OMTC Masonry Drop-In program was designed to help individuals who could not attend the longer, full-time pre-apprenticeship programs, because of when the program is offered or work/family commitments. Instead of going to class every day for the full day, you will be able to select time slots of 4 hours each, to come in and do hands-on training under the supervision of an OMTC instructor, when you have the time to do so. You will have to check the booking system regularly to see the times that are available. There may be evening and/or weekend time slots available from time to time. Booking is on a first come, first served basis.
The program is based on a curriculum that you will need to complete to satisfactory levels. There will be an OMTC instructor to teach and help you learn the masonry techniques that are required. You will also receive safety training. Safety training and equipment training will be scheduled at specific times and if you wish to receive this training you must attend when it is scheduled. It will not be offered on other dates. If you do not attend on the specified date, you will have to get the mandatory safety training on your own in order to work on a job site. Please see the curriculum outline here.
There are requirements for how often you come to train and the total length of time you will have to complete the training cycle. You must attend at least 5 sessions a week and you will have 120 days to complete the program. If you complete the full cycle of training, you will receive a certificate of completion from OMTC.
Drop-in Program Start Dates
Mississauga Campus: July 20th, 2026
Ottawa Campus: August 1oth, 2026
The program is FREE for all participants!
How to Register
- Fill Out the Registration Form:
As a new entrant, start by completing our registration form. Make sure to answer all mandatory questions and click “submit” when finished. - Schedule an Interview:
After you submit the form, an OMTC representative will contact you to set up an interview. This interview will provide more details about the program and the masonry trade. You’ll also have a chance to ask your own questions. For more information, you can check our FAQ. - Interview Outcome:
During the interview, we’ll let you know if you’re accepted into the program or placed on a wait list. - Receive Login Info:
If accepted, you will receive an email with the link to a form to register for a student account. During the registration process, you’ll need to review the OMTC policies and sign off on the general Code of Conduct for training at OMTC.
Booking Training Sessions
Time Slots:
Training sessions are scheduled in 4-hour time slots. Shorter sessions are not available due to setup and cleanup time.
You must use the entire time slot; leaving partway through is not allowed according to our policies.
Booking Process:
- Create Your User Account:
- Once accepted into the program, check your email for a link to our Account Registration Form.
- This form includes our policies regarding attendance, conduct, and absenteeism.
- After completing the registration form, your user account will be reviewed by an OMTC staff member.
- Upon approval, you will receive an email with a link, username, and password.
- Log In:
Click the link and enter your username and password, or click the My Account button in the website header. - Book and Manage Your Time Slots:
The user account dashboard allows you to book, reschedule, and cancel appointments. It also contains your attendance history, and additional resources.
Attending Training Sessions
Please Bring the Following Documents on Your First Day
- Proof of Age (Driver’s License, Birth Certificate or Passport)
- Proof of SIN
- Proof of Education (Grade 10 or equivalent-must be from Canada)
- Code of Conduct – to be signed in person
On Your First Day in the Program, You Will:
- Get a tour of the training centre so you’re familiar with the space
- Be shown your assigned workstation
- Receive a brief overview of what to expect in your upcoming sessions
- Learn which tools you’ll be using
- See a demonstration of the key skills you’ll be working on
- Have access to the instructor for help as needed
| Curriculum Area | Hours | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Trowel skills — spreading mortar | ~40+ hours | Learn how to mix and use mortar using various tools and equipment. Trowel handling of mortar to lay brick and block. |
| Laying to the line — Block and Brick | ~40+ hours | Use Masonry Training Station to learn how to lay brick and block to line. |
| Cutting units — hammer, portable and table saws | ~20 hours | Use hand and power tools to cut masonry units. |
| Removing mortar joints — grinder and Arbortech | ~40+ hours | Use hand and power tools to remove hardened mortar. |
| Repointing procedures | ~40+ hours | Learn how to use hand tools to repoint mortar. |
| Removing and replacing brick or other masonry units | ~20+ hours | Learn how to remove and replace units. |
| Scaffolding | ~20 hours | Learn to assemble and disassemble scaffolding. |
| Membrane application | ~20 hours | Learn how to install air/vapour barrier. |
| Safety Training Certificates |
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| Optional Training |
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The page notes that safety modules are scheduled on set dates, and students are responsible for being available on those dates. If they miss the scheduled training/certification dates, they must complete the safety training on their own and at their own cost.
Note: The “~” hours are approximate. Students may take less time or slightly more time to reach satisfactory performance of the tasks.
