Trades and Apprenticeship
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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| 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trades in the news
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Useful links
- Dean's Office contacts
- Need a prerequisite? Upgrade your education
- Explore funding with Financial Aid and Awards
- Get help with Student Success Centre
- Industry Training Authority B.C.
- Looking for employment training? Check out courses available through Continuing…
- Recommended Trades Student Characteristics
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