91̽»¨

Trades and Apprenticeship

Carpentry student uses drill on ductwork during applied learning.

The tools for your future are here

91̽»¨ 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 91̽»¨ sets you up for a successful career.

Construction Trades Career Path Info.

Apply now

Already know which program you want to apply for? Skip straight to the application process now!

Entry-level Foundation Program
*To explore our programs and schedules, see below. Training Schedules and availability for each program are included under each individual program page.
Apprenticeship Program
*apprenticeship programs are designed for registered apprentices who are already working in the industry.

 

PayMyTuition Notice

Please Note: As of June 26, 2024 new apprenticeship students can pay their deposit or tuition through via . For further instructions and details click here.

Please contact the office at 250-862-5457 or apprenticeship@okanagan.bc.ca for assistance.

Jill of All Trades™ is a day-long event to inspire young women in Grades 9-12 to pursue education and careers in skilled trades and apprenticeship. Jill of All Trades™ has been a tremendous success internationally. The event includes many hands-on workshops in the motive power, manufacturing, and construction trades sectors. Female mentors lead these workshops to help young women develop a better understanding of the potential of skilled trades’ careers.

91̽»¨ will be hosting the next Jill of All Trades event in November 2024 at our Vernon campus and in May 2025 at our Kelowna campus

Find out more

Jill of All Trades Group May 2024

Awards and Bursaries

Canerector Trades Awards

Canerector Foundation logo

Apply by September 15 for Summer/Fall 2024. Domestic students with confirmed seats in Construction, Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle, Aerospace and Manufacturing Trades Foundation or Diploma classes are eligible to apply.

Highstreet Entrance Bursaries for Foundation Level Construction Trades

Highstreet logo

Thirteen (13) entrance bursaries are available – valued at $6,500 each!

Up to 4 bursaries are High School Entrance, designated for those who have graduated from a BC Secondary school in the last 18 months.

Apply for Highstreet Entrance Bursaries

Students must be entering a construction trade: Carpenter, Carpenter-Joiner, Electrician, Plumbing & Piping, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, or Welder Foundation/ Pre-Apprenticeship.

Applications for the Highstreet Entrance Bursary are open:

  • Fall 2024 High School Entrance Awards – Dec. 1, 2023 to March 8, 2024
  • Fall Entrance Awards – July 1 to September 15, 2024
  • Winter Entrance Awards – December 1, 2024 to February 15
  • Summer Entrance Awards - March 1 to May 31

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

Explore Trades

Aerospace

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

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.

Carpentry

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

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.

Electrical

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

Motor Vehicle Trades

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

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. 

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.

Trades Continuing Studies

Expand your employment opportunities by advertising your skills with certificates.

Industry Training General Interest
Corporate Training Culinary Workshops 

Trades Sampler Programs

Trades Sampler programs are ideal for learning practical skills, gain general employment certifications and explore a variety of trades.

Women In Trades Training

We are working on a new set of programming and resources!

Stay tuned for exciting information regarding Women in Trades Sampler programs, mentorship and other opportunities. 

Current resources and programming:

Those who identify as female have access to priority seats in all of our Foundation programs (with the exception of Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts) and each of our apprenticeship intakes (all trades).  One seat is held in each intake until 4 months prior to the program start.  

We have many awards available to all students – visit our Financial Aid and Awards page.

Female specific awards for Trades students:

  • Prospera Credit Union – Prospera Women in Trades Bursaries ($1500)
  • Gilkinson Women in Trades Bursaries ($750)
  • Canadian Federation of University Women Kelowna Foundation Trades Award ($1000) 

91̽»¨ offers for girls in grades 4-6 have an opportunity to explore trades. Youth programs are one-week in length and focus on fostering a passion for trades while developing new skills. 

This new hands-on, high energy annual event is for girls in grades 9-12.  Girls may apply through their school and we welcome female industry mentors, past and current students to support this event.  

Upcoming Dates: Vernon Fall 2024 and Kelowna May 2025  

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.

Screenshot of the Gas Training Lab from the 3D Tour

Trades Entrance Assessment (TEA)

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.

Learn more about Success Centres here.

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

Trades Frequently Asked Questions

Click on "Read Trades FAQ" for a list of commonly asked questions from trades students to help prepare yourself for training. 

Read Trades FAQs

Trades in the news

Events

Event Type (field_event_type)
Event Audience (field_event_audience)
26
Sep

Experience

Join an info session or become a student for a day.

Ask

Have your questions answered by an education advisor or future student facilitator. 

Apply

Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at 91̽»¨.