Trades and Apprenticeship

Carpentry student uses drill on ductwork during applied learning.

General Trades Sampler

Explore your options and build on your strengths leading to an in demand career.

The trades sampler program is ideal for students, young adults, or women wishing to learn practical skills, gain general employment certifications, and explore trades careers. This program is a unique opportunity to explore a variety of trades—including Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Mechanical, Plumbing and Piping, Sheet Metal and Welding, —and to acquire basic skills that will prove fundamental if you decide to become a tradesperson.

Registration for this program is not currently open, if you are interested in being added to our interest list and being contacted when dates become available please email trades@okanagan.bc.ca
Student working in the Electrical shop

General Trades Sampler information

Students will explore a variety of trades.  

  • Auto mechanics  
  • Carpentry  
  • Electrical  
  • Heavy mechanical  
  • Plumbing & piping  
  • Sheet Metal  
  • Welding 

Upon completion of the program, students will earn the following certifications, which can be useful to secure general employment:

  • Forklift Truck (forklift training)

    • Operate a forklift safely to become certified.

  • Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)

    •  Demonstrate safe working practices including compliance with Worksafe BC and WHMIS regulations in the transportation industry.  Students will also learn how to protect themselves with personal protective equipment such as hearing protection and respiratory protection. 

  • First Aid

  • Conduct labour market research on specific trades and meet several guest speakers from relevant industries will inform students about their personal experience with the trade.

  • Demonstrate general skills in carpentry, plumbing and piping, electrical, sheet metal and welding. 

Students that complete the sampler program may seek employment in entry-level trades positions or apply for a foundation training programs at Okanagan College.

Kelowna Trades Training Complex

Power Motive Sampler

Explore your options and build on your strengths leading to an in demand career.

The Power Motive Trades Sampler program is ideal for students, young adults, or women wishing to learn practical skills, gain general employment certifications, and explore power motive trades careers. This program is a unique opportunity to explore a variety of trades—including Automotive Service, Heavy Duty, Recreational Vehicle, Heavy Mechanical and Collision Repair.

Registration for this program is not currently open, if you are interested in being added to our interest list and being contacted when dates become available please email trades@okanagan.bc.ca
Student working in the automotive shop

Power Motive Sampler information

Hands-on exploratory training in the following trades:   

  • Automotive Service Technician  
  • Motor Vehicle Body Repair  
  • Heavy Mechanical   
  • Motor Vehicle Body Repairer  
  • Automotive Refinisher  
  • Automotive Glass technician  
  • Recreational Vehicle Service   

Upon completion of the program, students will earn the following certifications, which can be useful to secure general employment:

  • Forklift Truck (forklift training)

    • Operate a forklift safely to become certified.

  • Workplace Hazardous Material Information System (WHMIS)

    •  Demonstrate safe working practices including compliance with Worksafe BC and WHMIS regulations in the transportation industry.  Students will also learn how to protect themselves with personal protective equipment such as hearing protection and respiratory protection. 

  • First Aid

  • Conduct labour market research on specific trades and meet several guest speakers from relevant industries will inform students about their personal experience with the trade.

  • Demonstrate general automotive maintenance services, welding procedures, basic equipment operational procedures, recreation vehicle maintenance, and automotive repair and refinishing

    Students that complete the sampler program may seek employment in entry-level positions or apply to a Foundation training programs at Okanagan College.

Kelowna Trades Training Complex

School District Samplers

These sampler programs are designed for students currently in high school to explore different trades.

Construction Trades Sampler

Students enrolled in this Construction Trades Sample program will explore and learn about some of the current in-demand trades' careers. The students will explore Construction Carpentry, Piping Trades, Electrical, Sheet Metal as well as  drafting standards through a variety of practical hands-on learning opportunities.  The students will also receive credits towards their graduation. 

Applications are available at your high school's Career Centre.

Student working in the construction shop

Construction Trades Sampler information

This program combines theory and hands-on training in the following courses subject areas:   

  • Use Safe Work Practices   
  • Documentation and Organizational Skills   
  • Apprenticeship Math   
  • Career Exploration 
  • Construction Craft Worker   
  • Carpentry   
  • Construction Electrician   
  • Plumbing and Piping Trades   
  • Sheet Metal   
  • Drafting   

This program is sponsored for eligible and select students. Contact your high school's Career Centre for more information about sponsorship and fees. 

CSA certified steel toe boots are mandatory for participation.

Central Okanagan

  • School District 23

North Okanagan

  • School District 22

South Okanagan and Similkameen

  • School District 67
  • School District 53

Shuswap

  • School District 83

Female Trades Sampler

Central Okanagan Public Schools and Okanagan College are partnering together to deliver a trades exploration program to assist students in their career exploration while learning valuable construction and technology skills. Students will have the opportunity to sample various trades such as Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, and Sheet Metal that are currently in demand in BC through hands-on learning opportunities. In addition, students will also complete the outcomes for their Career Life Education 10 or 11 and Math 10 or 11 graduation requirements. 

Applications are available at your high school's Career Centre.

Student working in the automotive shop

Female Trades Sampler information

This program combines theory and hands-on training in the following courses subject areas:   

  • Use Safe Work Practices   
  • Documentation and Organizational Skills   
  • Apprenticeship Math   
  • Career Exploration    
  • Construction Craft Worker   
  • Carpentry   
  • Construction Electrician   
  • Plumbing and Piping Trades   
  • Sheet Metal   
  • Drafting   

This program is sponsored for eligible and select students. Contact your high school's Career Centre for more information about sponsorship and fees. 

CSA certified steel toe boots are mandatory for participation.

Central Okanagan

  • School District 23

North Okanagan

  • School District 22

Power Motive Trades Sampler

The Power Motive Trades Sampler Program will provide students with an introduction to key elements of  Automotive Service, Heavy Duty Equipment, Recreational Vehicle and Collision & Refinishing, Preparation and Painting programs prior to their selection of an apprenticeship program or career pathway.

Applications are available at your high school 's Career Centre.

Student using VR technology in the Recreational Vehicle and Collision Refinishing and Painting program

Power Motive Trades Sampler information

This program combines theory and hands-on training in the following courses subject areas:  

  • Use Safe Work Practices  
  • Documentation and Organizational Skills  
  • Apprenticeship Math  
  • Career Exploration 
  • Auto body repair and refinishing  
  • Heavy Mechanical
  • Automotive service
  • Recreation Vehicle    

This program is sponsored for eligible and select students. Contact your high school's Career Centre for more information about sponsorship and fees. 

CSA certified steel toe boots are mandatory for participation.

Central Okanagan

  • School District 23

Work Experience location (varies)

School District Samplers information

  • Attend “Student for a Day” at the program of interest   
  • Complete the School District application package and hand it into your Career Programs Coordinator   
  • Meet with Career Coordinator to review program and school district expectations   
  • Application approved and accepted by School District   
  • An interview may be required for potential applicants   

Dual Credit programs and courses allow students the opportunity to earn post-secondary credentials and high school graduation credits at the same time.  In nearly all cases your tuition is covered by the school district for qualifying students. Student fees, tools, and supplies are the student's responsibility.

Students must start a dual credit "prior to graduation" so early planning is essential to ensure the prerequisites are met and to secure a seat.  

Many of the  Trades Sampler participants apply to a Dual Credit program.

Applications are available at your high school's Career Centre. 

  • Lift and carry tools, equipment, supplies and materials weighing up to approximately 50 lbs.   
  • Lift, carry, hold and operate hand, air and power tools from below grade to above shoulders   
  • Stand on concrete, dirt, rock, asphalt, wood, etc. for extended periods of time   
  • Bend, stoop, kneel, crawl to perform tasks  
  • Climb extension ladders, and work on scaffolding at heights 
  • Good general health, manual dexterity, satisfactory eyesight and respiratory condition   
  • 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  
  • Good hand-eye coordination 

B.C. Public Schools and Okanagan College are committed to providing a safe learning environment for students. All students are responsible for:   

  • Learning and adhering to safe work procedures in classroom, shop, and work areas.   
  • Following the safety standards as taught by the instructor. These standards meet or exceed the regulatory requirements of the WorkSafe BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.   

Failure to do so may result in suspension from the program. Each student is expected to report any unsafe condition or unsafe behavior to his/her instructor.

Student for a Day Experience

Join a current class for the day to experience what it’s like to be a college student at OC! Observe class activities, explore shops and kitchens, and speak with instructors and students.

To book your experience, please contact the OC Recruitment Team.

Important Note: Students currently enrolled in high school in the Okanagan College region (Osoyoos and Princeton to Mica Creek and Revelstoke) should book Student for a Day through their Career Centre Coordinator or School Counsellor.

Student for a Day experience are at no cost. CSA certified steel toe boots are required for most trades in order to participate.

two students sitting at a table in the trades training atrium