Trades and Apprenticeship

Carpentry student uses drill on ductwork during applied learning.

Recommended Student Characteristics

There are a number of physical activities involved in training for a skilled trade. Below are some of the physical activities involved with given programs and the recommended student characteristics to complete tasks.

Please note: Okanagan College strives to make all learning experiences as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience disability related academic barriers (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions), please contact Accessibility Services so that you can discuss options privately.

Physical activities of Aircraft Maintenance Engineers - Structures:

  • lifting and carrying tools, supplies, materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from floor to above the shoulders
  • standing on concrete and asphalt for extended periods of time
  • not limited to drilling, cutting, filing, sanding, sewing, painting, riveting, shearing, hammering, shoring, jacking, sawing, nailing, lifting, sweeping, cleaning and towing large aircraft
  • learning and working in both indoor and outdoor venues, through all seasonal challenges
  • may be required to work in awkward, uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.
  • use of solvents, cleaners, paints, adhesives
  • working around loud, moving aircraft
  • working at heights that exceed six feet 
Recommended student characteristics:
  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • strength and stamina to handle physical work
  • ability to tolerate loud noise and vibration from riveting tools
  • ability to work around loud, moving aircraft
  • comfortable working at heights exceeding six feet
  • good manual dexterity to manipulate small nuts, bolts, fittings, and components
  • eye sight; must be correctable to 20/20 with good line, form and depth perception
  • good manual dexterity
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • hearing; able to work in a hazardous environment and recognize the dangers of jet engines running and propeller driven aircraft dangers recognizable by sound, as well be able to communicate complicated instructions in high-noise environments
  • demonstrate an attitude of safety in the workplace at all times

Physical activities involved with the Aircraft Maintenance Technician trade:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 10 Kgs.
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • standing on concrete and asphalt for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, kneeling and crawling to perform various tasks

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials Ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • good manual dexterity
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception

Physical activities involved with learning Carpentry:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 50 pounds
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • standing on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling to perform carpentry tasks
  • learning and working in all weather conditions including prolonged periods of rain or heat
  • pushing, pulling and carrying lumber and construction materials
  • climbing extension ladders, and working on scaffolding at heights

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials
  • ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • balance and coordination to walk on uneven ground for up to 8 hours per day.
  • good manual dexterity
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception

 

Physical activities involved in the Electrician trade:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 30 pounds
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand and power tools from below grade to above shoulders.
  • standing on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, kneeling or crawling to perform electrical tasks
  • working in confined spaces and trenches
  • working in both indoor and outdoor venues, through all seasonal challenges
  • pushing, pulling and carrying electrical construction materials and troubleshooting equipment.
  • climbing extension ladders, and working on scaffolding at heights

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials
  • ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • good balance and coordination to walk on uneven ground for up to 8 hours per day.
  • good manual dexterity
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception
  • willing to work in team and individual environments 

Physical activities of trade:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 20 kilograms
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • standing on concrete and asphalt for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, kneeling and crawling to perform various tasks
  • working indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials
  • ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • good manual dexterity
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception

Physical activities involved the Plumbing and Piping trades:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 30 pounds
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • standing on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, kneeling, crawling to perform piping tasks
  • learning and working in both indoor and outdoor venues, through all seasonal challenges
  • pushing, pulling and carrying pipe, tubing and construction materials
  • climbing extension ladders, and work on scaffolding at heights
  • work in open trenches and other confining environments 

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials
  • ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • good balance and coordination to walk on uneven ground for up to 8 hours per day.
  • good manual dexterity
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception
  • able to work in confined spaces such as under kitchen sink

Physical activities involved with the Recreation Vehicle trade:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 10 kilograms
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from floor level to above shoulders
  • standing on concrete and asphalt for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, kneeling and crawling to perform various tasks

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials 
  • ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • good manual dexterity
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception

Physical activities involved with the Welding trade:

  • lifting and carrying tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 40-50 lbs.
  • lifting, carrying, holding and operating hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders
  • standing on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time
  • bending, stooping, lifting and kneeling to perform physical task
  • learning and working in both indoor and outdoor venues, through all seasonal challenges
  • pushing, pulling and carrying pipe, plates, and structural steel and construction materials

Recommended student characteristics:

  • good general health and respiratory condition
  • capable of doing physical work
  • physical strength, flexibility, and stamina compatible with the handling of heavy equipment and materials
  • ability to tolerate noise and vibration
  • good balance and coordination to walk on uneven ground for up to 8 hours per day.
  • good manual dexterity
  • good hand-eye coordination
  • satisfactory eyesight, line, form and depth perception