Since 2009, Camosun has delivered specialized trades training for equity-seeking groups. Many of our programs are held on campus, we also work with high schools and rural communities across B.C.
Specialized trade programs
We work with students individually to tailor the student’s unique career ambitions into a comprehensive education plan.
Trade programs for women
Camosun offers two different trade sampling programs for women, and/or sponsorship into trade-specific foundation/pre-apprenticeship programs.
Empowering Women in Trades
Since 2017, Camosun’s Empowering Women in Trades has helped hundreds of women start and succeed in skilled trades. We offer financial support, mentorship, and networking to help you earn your Red Seal.
We help with:
- Educational costs (including tuition, student fees, books, and supplies).
- Living cost supports.
- Transportation costs.
- Child care costs.
- Personal protective equipment and tool allowance.
Women in Trades Training (WITT)
Camosun's Women in Trades Training (WiTT) program has introduced over 1,000 women to hands-on careers. This sampler program gives women a chance to try their hand at a number of different trades and to take part in exploratory events like worksite tours and networking breakfasts.
Trade programs for youth
ACE-It
The Camosun Trades Development team works collaboratively with a number of mainland school districts to deliver training to up to 100 students annually.
This project delivers culinary arts, electrical, plumbing and carpentry foundation programs allowing students to earn dual credit in both their high school and Camosun College. Upon completion, students can start their post-secondary education with extra credits to be used towards their Red Seal.
Mainland school district
This project delivers culinary arts, electrical, plumbing and carpentry foundation programs to mainland school districts, allowing students to earn dual credit in both their high school and Camosun College. Instructors from Camosun work with school district instructors to deliver the program, as well as the final exam to students from the school district. With this credit, completed students can start their post-secondary education with extra credits to be used towards their Red Seal.
Pipe's Trades Training Trailer
Camosun College’s Pipe Trades Trailer is a state-of-the-art pipe shop on wheels that came to fruition thanks to the ESDC, Concert Properties, and other funders. It boasts the latest in pipe trade technology when it comes to tools, equipment, and instruction. The goal of the trailer is to reach communities where this level of technology and instruction is not accessible. Multiple projects have been developed for the students to introduce them the five different Red Seal pipe trades offered at Camosun. All the tools and equipment fit in the trailer, including individual toolboxes for the participants, allowing set up in almost any location with an adequate footprint.
Many participants expressed that their experience was a great success and, for some, shared that their primary reason for pursuing a career in the Pipe Trades was from their time spent with Camosun’s Pipe Trailer program.
Trades Awareness, Skills & Knowledge (TASK)
Trades Awareness, Skills & Knowledge (TASK) is a trades sampler program delivered to eight South Island high schools over the school year. Students are exposed to various skilled trades ranging from carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, sheet metal, automotive, or heavy duty at Camosun or their high school. Students can explore the different trades and make an informed decision regarding trades being a career path.
Current and past partnerships
The strength of Camosun’s model is reflected in the team’s dedication to establishing connections. These connections mean our programs are strongly rooted in their diversity of relationships and partnerships.
Camosun is grateful for every partner who has been and continues to support the opportunities and growth of our students.
Coast Capital
The Coast Capital Trading Up Initiative is to help support foundation and apprenticeship students from any demographic to find success in their education and careers. It was developed to address the current absence of financial support for Trades students who do not qualify for other bursaries or programs.
"Words cannot describe how truly thankful I am to receive such a significant award. Without the support of Coast Capital, I would not be where I am today. Through this funding, I have been able to purchase some of the tools and equipment necessary to complete my studies and to successfully begin my career as an automotive service technician. Additionally, this funding has made significant changes to my personal life, aiding me and my young son to live comfortably, despite the challenges of balancing full time, post secondary education, the high cost of living and being a single father."
- Anthony, Automotive Student
"Coast Capital has helped me greatly as an indigenous student through financial support, because of this support I’m able to focus on learning and have the best experience at Camosun College. I am happy that Coast Capital chose to help me and I hope to pay them back by serving my community."
-Daniel, Electrical Student
"Since I am the major breadwinner of a family with two kids, it was very hard to afford life expenses while I attended school, and because of that I had to work after my classes for three hours every single day which significantly would have affected my studies. At the moment, my Camosun average is over 95%, which shows that I have learnt a lot in the electrical course and achieved my goals in this field. Your generosity and help have affected my life positively and I will have the same approach in my career as well.”
-Mohammadreza, Electrical Apprentice
Concert Properties
Since 2004, Concert Properties has supported the trades in many different capacities, including but not limited to donations of vehicles, trailers, supplies, and more. In 2019, they made a large contribution to see the fruition of the Pipe's Trades Training Trailer and continuously support the Trades for Success program. Trades for Success is for youth, adult, and K-12 learners in communities with limited access to training providers or public post-secondary institutions. The goal is to build awareness of Red Seal trades and that these career pathways lead to sustainable employment within the underserved regions of British Columbia.
Ralmax Group of companies
In 2020, Ralmax supported the Coastal Skills Initiative Carpentry Apprenticeship program, which was a very unique project and partnership with the Nuxalk First Nations. The project oversaw, from the beginning to completion, the carpentry apprenticeship program and saw 11 participants complete their Red Seal within that time, while three other participants were inspired to pursue a different trade of choice.
Royal Bank of Canada
RBC contributed to Camosun's TRADEmark of Excellence Campaign. Their donation went towards funding program costs associated with the TURBOtrades Project, which was to provide enhanced recruitment, support and mentoring for students from underrepresented groups enrolled in trades education - specifically, Women in Trades.
SkilledTradesBC
SkilledTradesBC is a provincially funded organization that leads and coordinates British Columbia's skilled trades system. Since the inception of TDSP, SkilledTradesBC has been there to support the growth and opportunities of equity seeking groups through both financial and educational support and guidance.
Go to SkilledTradesBC for extensive information.
Funding is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada-British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.
Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation
Gwyn Morgan and Patricia Trottier Foundation were instrumental in the creation and continual support of the Empowering Women in Trades initiative. Through this became Empowering Women in Trades. Their donation has supported over 250 women (and counting) working on continuing their education and careers in the trades.
"I am grateful for you helping me pursue my dreams. I am passionate about mechanics...(and) am excited for what the Camosun College program has to offer and I am committed to commuting daily from Cowichan Bay to have this opportunity. Thanks to your support I will be able to make my classes...I am the only female out of my family and friends to go into the trades and I am very excited. Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and I plan to pay your generosity forward to those in need."
- Hannah, Automotive Apprentice
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous funding to help myself and others through trade school. I have three wonderful children and have had a passion for building since I was young. I am eager and excited to start the program...and I'm looking forward to starting the new journey and hope to help build a better world, inside out."
- Laura, Carpentry Apprentice