
Trades and Apprenticeship

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.
Students will explore a variety of trades.
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
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.
Hands-on exploratory training in the following trades:
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
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.
This program combines theory and hands-on training in the following courses subject areas:
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
North Okanagan
South Okanagan and Similkameen
Shuswap
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.
This program combines theory and hands-on training in the following courses subject areas:
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
North Okanagan
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.
This program combines theory and hands-on training in the following courses subject areas:
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
Work Experience location (varies)
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.
B.C. Public Schools and Okanagan College are committed to providing a safe learning environment for students. All students are responsible for:
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.
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.