Trades and Apprenticeship

Carpentry student uses drill on ductwork during applied learning.

The tools for your future are here

Okanagan College offers the newest equipment and technologies in state-of-the-art training facilities located in Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Penticton. Students master skills taught by industry-leading instructors while gaining hands-on experience. Learn in small classes, in more than 20 different programs that have provincial, national and international recognition. Whether you are seeking Red Seal certification or one-time specialty industry training, education at OC sets you up for a successful career.
 

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Already know which program you want to apply for? Skip straight to the application process now!

Entry-level Foundation Program Apprenticeship Program
*apprenticeship programs are designed for registered apprentices who are already working in the industry.

 

Foundation vs apprenticeship: what's the difference?

Foundation programs are entry-level training programs for people with little or no experience in the field. Apprenticeships are for people working in the trade for an employer who sponsors their education and training.

Explore the difference

Female collision repair student wearing a respirator mask uses a sanding wheel to smooth a car fender's surface and prepare it for paint

Explore Trades

Aerospace

Local, national, and global employment opportunities are soaring for certified Aircraft Maintenance professionals

Collision Repair

Focus on attention to detail and the importance of high-quality repairs while learning from Red Seal-certified instructors and the latest equipment.

Carpentry

Training in carpentry and joinery can help you develop skills to build a career you are proud of.

Culinary

Grow your culinary career in the heart of the Okanagan Valley with programs focusing on a farm-to-table approach, exploring fresh local products.

Electrical

Train to become an Electrician who inspects and tests highly sensitive electrical systems.

Motor Vehicle Trades

Drive the direction of your career with studies in Heavy Mechanical, Automotive Service and Recreation Vehicle Service programs.

Mechanical Building Trades

This department focuses on maintenance, testing and operation of all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the distribution of steam, water systems including fire prevention sprinklers, natural gas or propane systems and building plumbing systems. 

Welding

Spark your skills by learning a variety of welding processes and using specialized equipment to create a solid bond between metal plate and/or pipe.

Women in Trades Training

Gain confidence to pursue career goals in trades through exploratory programs, sponsorship and additional support in a training centre with a reputation for excellence. 

Trades Continuing Studies

Expand your employment opportunities by advertising your skills with certificates.

Industry Training General Interest
Corporate Training Culinary Workshops 

Trades Sampler Programs

Trades Sampler programs are ideal for learning practical skills, gain general employment certifications and explore a variety of trades.

2023 Central Okanagan Skills Regional Competitions

Skills Canada is a trades and technology competition that challenges the skills and knowledge of junior and high school students, College trades students, and apprentices. Olympic-style competitions are held for over 40 skilled trades across Canada. The Central Okanagan Skills Regional competitions at Okanagan College are designed for junior and high school students attending schools in the Okanagan region. Competitions are designed in a fun, lively way to spark inspiration in youth to consider a career in the trades and/or technology field. Regional medalists will be eligible to compete at Skills Provincials on April 19 in Abbotsford, BC. Skills Nationals will be held in Winnipeg, MB on May 25 and 26, 2023. 

For more information about Skills, please visit www.skillscanada.bc.ca 

On February 24, over 100 competitors gathered at the Kelowna campus for the 2023 Central Okanagan Skills Regional competitions. 

Skills Canada Regionals tests the skills and knowledge of junior and high school students, college trades students and apprentices across a wide array of trades and technology competitions – Architectural CAD, Cabinetmaking, Culinary Arts, Electronics, Welding, Jr. Skills Gravity Vehicle, Jr. Skills Carpentry and more.

Read more

Thank you to all Skills event volunteers, Technical Chairs and School District staff for helping make this event a success and creating meaningful memories for our community's youth.

We would like to acknowledge the generous $800 tool donation from KMS Tools for the medalist prize packages. 

Competition Competitor School
Architectural CAD (Sec) - Gold Kailee Allen Mount Boucherie Secondary School
Architectural CAD (Sec) - Silver Henrico Vermeulen Kelowna Secondary School
Architectural CAD (Sec) - Bronze Casper Damme Okanagan Mission Secondary School
     
Cabinetmaking (Sec) - Gold Gavin Bayford Osoyoos Secondary School
Cabinetmaking (Sec) - Silver Tyler Hawkins Rutland Secondary School
Cabinetmaking (Sec) - Bronze Matthew Pendergraft Osoyoos Secondary School
     
Culinary (Sec) - Gold  Trinity Laflamme Princess Margaret Secondary School
Culinary (Sec) - Silver Charles Ferguson South Okanagan Secondary School
Culinary (Sec) - Bronze Carter Sharun Mount Boucherie Secondary School
     
Electronics (Sec) - Gold Tucker Macor Osoyoos Secondary School
Electronics (Sec) - Silver Tyler Spears Kelowna Secondary School
Electronics (Sec) - Bronze Hasan Mohammad Kelowna Secondary School
     
Jr. Skills Carpentry - Gold Ethan Auchincloss Canyon Falls Middle School
Jr. Skills Carpentry - Silver Ryder Starling Rutland Middle School
Jr. Skills Carpentry - Bronze Kale Hayward Dr. Knox Middle School
     
Jr. Skills Gravity Vehicle - Gold Sarah Kelly and Sophia Fernandes Osoyoos Secondary School
Jr. Skills Gravity Vehicle - Silver Elias Hein and Alex Goebel Similkameen Elementary Secondary School
Jr. Skills Gravity Vehicle - Bronze Zuriel Castro and Jaxon Balint Osoyoos Secondary School
     
Welding (Sec) - Gold Terry Johnston Vernon Secondary School
Welding (Sec) - Silver Brody Knight Osoyoos Secondary School
Welding (Sec) - Bronze Meryckx Paul Penticton Secondary School

Apprentice Hiring Project

Okanagan College Apprentice Hiring Project received over $3 million in funding and will be using that money to support small and medium sized enterprises who hire first-year apprentices, helping the businesses offset costs that come with onboarding new skilled workers.

The project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Apprenticeship Service.

Learn more
 

female welding student in shop welding pipe

3D virtual trades tour

Take a self-guided tour through the Trades Training Complex and the commercial kitchens at the Kelowna campus. Navigate through shops, classrooms and kitchens virtually in 3D. Click feature points to learn facts about the building and programs.

Trades Training Complex

Commercial Kitchens

Screenshot of the Gas Training Lab from the 3D Tour

Trades Entrance Assessment (TEA)

The Trades Entrance Assessment is designed to provide an alternative entrance option for applicants who may not have met the required Math and/or English entrance requirements for a foundation program within the allowable time frame or cannot provide official documentation proving such. You must apply for a Trades Foundation Program and receive a response from Admission before you can register for this assessment.

Learn more    Reference Guide

Set yourself up for success!

The Trades Success Centre can assist you with preparing for the Trades Entrance Exam (TEA). Whether you have been out of high school a few years, are making a career change or have never attended post-secondary education, we can help set you up for success!

Get prepared to write the TEA by contacting Trades Success Centre Coordinator, Elke Pritchard, by email at epritchard@okanagan.bc.ca.

Learn more about Success Centres here.

Exterior of the Trades Training Complex and the Jacobson Pathway to Excellence hallway

Trades Frequently Asked Questions

Click on "Read Trades FAQ" for a list of commonly asked questions from trades students to help prepare yourself for training. 

Read Trades FAQs

Trades in the news

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