What is Augmented Education?
Is an addiction and/or mental health history holding you back from a successful career? Then Augmented Education may be the right fit for you! This supported, employment-focused program is offered free of charge and helps individuals with complex mental health challenges and/or addiction histories prepare for, find and maintain employment in either the food service or construction industry.
Augmented Education provides two program streams: the Construction Craft Worker Foundations Program and the Culinary Skills (Preparatory Training) Program.
Our programs offer:
- job focused education and training
- industry recognized certification
- academic supports and accommodations throughout the program
- post-program employment support
Program Requirements
Applicants are selected on the basis of:
- Mental health and/or addiction history
- Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent; or
- Mature student status (19 years of age or older)
Augmented Education Information Sessions
Before applying to our program, we expect applicants to have an understanding of our program requirements, expectations and application process.
Augmented Education delivers in-person information sessions every month. If you would like to attend an information session, please register for one of our upcoming session dates:
Attend an information session for the Construction Craft Worker Foundations program (A106)
Attend an information session for the Culinary Skills (Preparatory Training) program (A110)
Can’t make it for a live session? Watch our prerecorded information session video below:
The Construction Craft Worker Foundations Program (A106)
The Construction Craft Worker Foundations program is a supportive employment-based program for individuals with complex mental health challenges and/or addiction histories.
The goal of this program is to help people with barriers to training and employment transition to meaningful and sustainable work. The program has been successful in assisting participants with taking the first steps towards employment in Toronto's construction industry.
This is a 20-week long blended program (combination of in-person and online courses) that runs from the beginning of April to the end of August and includes:
- classroom and construction lab instruction (30-35 hours a week)
- academic supports and accommodations
- personal development and career readiness workshops
- 160 hours of work placement
"Augmented Education has changed my life in more ways than one. My life before the program was going nowhere. Now, I'm really excited about my future. I can do whatever I put my mind to. The staff and professors made me ready for work and taught me how to build."
Jesse Brown, Program Graduate
Construction Craft Worker Foundations Program, Class of 2017
Graduates will be awarded an Ontario College Certificate and will be qualified for entry-level construction jobs in the building trades including positions in construction labour, carpentry, masonry, cement finishing, construction retail and warehousing.
Construction Program Application Deadline
We are currently accepting applications for Spring 2025! The application deadline is March 7th, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.
Learn More About A106 program Download a106 application package
The Culinary Skills (Preparatory Training) Program A110
The Culinary Skills (Preparatory Training) Program is a supportive, employment-based program for individuals with complex mental health challenges and/or addiction histories.
The goal of this program is to help people with barriers to training and employment transition to meaningful and sustainable work. The program has been successful in assisting participants with taking the first steps towards employment in Toronto's food service industry.
This is a 8-month long blended program (combination of in-person and online courses) that runs from the beginning of September to the end of April and includes:
- classroom and kitchen lab instruction (30-35 hours a week)
- academic supports and accommodations
- personal development and career readiness workshops
- 150 hours of work placement
"Prior to this program, I often felt isolated and depressed and I had to figure things out on my own. The job coaches gave me support and guided me towards new opportunities. Now, I'm filled with hope and find enjoyment within the stress of the kitchen."
Greta Batten, Graduate
Culinary Skills (Preparatory Training) Program, Class of 2017
Successful participants will be awarded an Ontario College Certificate and will be qualified for entry-level jobs in commercial food service such as food preparation positions in cafeterias, fast food outlets, restaurants and catering operations.
Culinary Program Application Deadline
We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2025! The application deadline is July 11th, 2025 by 11:59 p.m.
Learn More About A110 program Download a110 application package
