Apprenticeship Training
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An apprenticeship combines paid, on-the-job training (about 85% of training), with technical training in a post-secondary classroom or shop setting (about 15% of training). In order to become a certified tradesperson, you need to successfully complete both components, along with written examinations.
The length of an apprenticeship can range from one to five years, but most require four years to complete. The amount of time you'll spend doing your in-school training also varies by trade, from four to 10 weeks each year.
In some trades, completing a full apprenticeship program can also lead to inter-provincial Red Seal certification, which means you have attained a level of excellence that is recognized throughout Canada.
Trades training excellence
Camosun College has been Vancouver Island's leading trades training provider for the past 40 years. Apprentices who take their technical training at Camosun have an impressive success rate. The instructors are certified and experienced in their fields and are passionate about sharing that knowledge with their students. As a result, apprenticeship students are well prepared for their required exams; for example, since 2006, 97% of Camosun's 4th year Electrical apprentices passed their interprovincial Red Seal exam, with an average grade of 84.9%.
At Camosun College, there are two ways to begin an apprenticeship, with all classes offered at Interurban campus:
- Direct entry into apprenticeship technical training, with an employer sponsoring you
- Enrol in one of our pre-apprentice Foundation programs
Direct Entry Apprenticeship Training
For direct entry, Camosun offers apprenticeship training in the following programs. By successfully completing all levels, you will receive the BC Certificate of Apprenticeship, and the Certificate in Apprenticeship Technical Training. For details about each trade, please visit the Industry Training Authority (ITA) website.
Architectural Trades
- Carpenter* - 6 weeks
- Joiner* - 6 weeks
- Residential Building Maintenance Worker - 8 weeks
- Residential Construction Framing Technician - 6 to 8 weeks
Electrical Trades
- Electrician* - 10 weeks
Mechanical Trades
- Automotive Service Technician* - 6 to 7 weeks
Metal Trades
- Metal Fabricator* - 5 weeks
- Sheet Metal Worker* - 6 weeks
- Welder* - 6 weeks
Plumbing & Pipe Trades
- Domestic/Residential Certified Geothermal Technician - 6 to 8 weeks
- Domestic/Residential Certified Heating Technician - 6 weeks
- Gas Fitter - 6 to 8 weeks
- Geothermal Technician – 6 to 8 weeks
- Heating Technician – 6 to 8 weeks
- Plumber* – 6 to 8 weeks
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic* - 6 to 8 weeks
- Sprinkler Fitter* - 6 weeks
- Steam / Pipefitter* - 6 to 8 weeks
Professional Cook Training* - 6 weeks
* These programs lead to the BC Certificate of Qualification with the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.
Pre-apprentice Foundation programs
Camosun's trades Foundation programs provide a solid overview of the trade along with practical hands-on skills, so that you will be well-prepared to seek entry level employment and/or an apprenticeship. Foundation programs cover the technical training learning outcomes required in the first year of an apprenticeship, which means that you will not need to return to school until your second year of an apprenticeship.
