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.

What to do if you are sick

OC strongly encourages everyone to refer to the BC Centre for Disease Control’s website for details on self-isolation, self-monitoring and testing. Find out more by clicking on the links below.

Self-isolation and monitoring COVID-19 testing

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

Trades Talk Tuesday 2.0 - Virtual Event Recordings

Watch a Trades Talk Tuesday 2.0 event recording to learn more about different skilled trades from the perspective of Red Seal-certified Trades Instructors.
Review full list of recordings

Explore Trades

Aerospace

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

Explore Aerospace

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.

Explore Collision Repair

Carpentry

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

Explore Carpentry

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.

Explore Culinary

Electrical

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

Explore Electrical

Motor Vehicle Trades

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

Explore Motor Vehicle Trades

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.

Explore Mechanical Building Trades

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.

Explore Welding

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.

Explore Women in Trades Training

Trades Continuing Studies

Expand your employment opportunities by advertising your skills with certificates.

Industry Training	General Interest
Corporate Training	Culinary Workshops
Power Motive Trade Sampler

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

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 or call 250-762-5445 ext. 4677.

Learn more about Success Centres here.

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

Trades Frequently Asked Questions

COVID-19 has impacted trades program intakes. Click on "Read Trades FAQ" for a list of commonly asked questions from trades students to help prepare yourself for training.

Read Trades FAQs