Apprenticeship Programs

 Apprenticeship is alive and well at Okanagan College

Canada is experiencing a shortage of skilled trades people. With the impending retirement of thousands of Baby Boomers, this situation will only become more critical. Employers in British Columbia need highly skilled workers now and seek out graduates from trades apprenticeship programs. A career in trades offers a promising future in a secure, well-paid, and challenging occupation. Workers who finish apprenticeship and receive a journeyperson designation generally earn more than those who do not, and have greater opportunities for advancement.

As an apprentice, you don't have to give up a salary to get your education. You can earn while you learn! You may also be eligible for employment insurance while you take the classroom component of your training. Apprenticeship training is flexible and accessible. It can fit your schedule and needs.

OC has established an Apprenticeship Office to answer all your questions and assist you in scheduling your technical training.  If you have questions visit the Trades and Apprenticeship Office at the KLO Campus in B120 or call toll free 1-800-621-3038.  To further assist you, OC has compiled an accommodation list for those who need short-term housing while they complete their training.

To learn more about British Columbia's apprenticeship system visit www.itabc.ca.

OC’s Trades and Apprenticeship has been offering premium training opportunities in the Okanagan for over 48 years, and provides apprenticeship training in the following trades: 

• Automotive Painter
• Automotive Refinishing Prep Technician
• Automotive Service Technician
• Carpenter
• Commercial Transport and Truck Mechanic
• Diesel Engine Technician
• Electrician
• Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
• Heavy Mechanical Trades (HDET, CTM, DE, CT)
• Motor Vehicle Body Repairer
• Plumber
• Professional Cook
• Recreation Vehicle Service Technician
• Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic
• Sheet Metal Worker
• Transport Trailer Mechanic (Commercial Trailer Mechanic)
• Welder (C, B & A)

All of the above trades offered at Okanagan College lead to Journeyperson status under the Interprovincial standards (Red Seal) endorsement program. Red Seal certified workers can work anywhere in Canada where their trade is designated. Labour mobility is essential for the Canadian workforce. For skilled tradespeople, the Red Seal is the recognized passport to mobility in trades across Canada. For more information on the Red Seal program visit www.red-seal.ca.

While you are attending OC for your technical training there is so much to do, no matter what your interests are, from golfing to hiking, boating, camping, skiing, fishing or swimming. We’re always proud to boast about the natural beauty of this area, including mountain forests, miles of sandy beaches, refreshing lake waters, abundant orchards and vineyards.  We welcome you to take a look around and decide for yourself, http://www.kelownachamber.org