Trades and Apprenticeship

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

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

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

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

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)

• 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.