Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Blended delivery
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
5-10 weeks depending on trade
Seat availability
What kind of Trades student are you?
"I want to learn a trade but don't have much experience or an employer sponsor."
- If this sounds like you, try exploring Trade Foundation programs. Foundation programs are a great way to get the knowledge and training you need to find employment.
"I'm working and have an employer willing to sponsor me as a registered apprentice."
- If this sounds like you read on to learn more about Trades technical programs!
Technical training programs for registered apprentices
If you are currently employed as an apprentice, you can get your required technical training at Camosun. Depending on which trade you've chosen, you'll be in school for four to 10 weeks in each year of your apprenticeship.
Architectural Trades
|
Culinary Arts
Choose to do your Professional Cook technical training in person or online with the e-pprentice option. |
Electrical Trades |
Metal Trades |
Motor Vehicle Trades |
Plumbing & Pipe Trades |
Architectural TradesCulinary Arts
Electrical TradesMetal Trades | Motor Vehicle Trades
Plumbing & Pipe Trades
|
Program standards for each trade's required training are set by the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
Camosun College is a proud supporter of the Red Seal interprovincial trades program.
In-school technical training
As an apprentice, you’ll spend about 80% of your time on the job, so you earn while you learn. In addition to that practical experience, you also need to sign up for a few weeks of in-school technical training each year. Practical work hours and technical training are both required to achieve your full trade qualification.
If an employee and employer agree to enter into a contract for an apprenticeship, the employee or employer may contact the Industry Training Authority to register as an apprentice. The apprentice works full time for the employer and attends technical training at Camosun.
Training is usually between 4 and 10 weeks. When you're not attending technical training you'll be on the job learning the practical skills needed to complete your apprenticeship requirements.
While at Camosun you will develop your skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematics, and safe work practices.
Program outlines
Program standards and curriculum for each trade's required training are set by the Industry Training Authority (ITA).
You can find program profiles and outlines on the ITA's website.
Tuition and fees
Direct Entry Apprenticeship program tuition fees
Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023
The following lists the technical training offered at Camosun. Approx. cost per level.
Architectural Trades
- Carpenter - Red Seal - 7 weeks - $663
- Construction Craft Worker - Red Seal - 4 weeks - $663
Electrical Trades
- Electrician, Red Seal, 10 weeks, $1,071
Metal Trades
- Metal Fabricator - Red Seal - 6 or 7 weeks - $561
- Sheet Metal Worker - Red Seal - 6 or 8 weeks - $663
- Welder - Red Seal - 8 or 10 weeks - $867
Motor Vehicle Trades
- Automotive Service Technician - Red Seal - 7 weeks - $663
- Diesel Engine Mechanic - Red Seal - 8 to 10 weeks - $765
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician - Red Seal - 4 to 10 weeks
- Transport Trailer Technician - Red Seal - 4 to 10 weeks
- Truck and Transport Mechanic - Red Seal - 4 to 10 weeks
Plumbing & Pipe Trades
- Domestic/Commercial Gas Fitter - BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks - $663
- Plumber - Red Seal - 6 to 8 weeks - $663
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic - Red Seal - 6 to 10 weeks - $663
- Sprinkler Fitter - Red Seal - 6 weeks - $663
- Steam/Pipe Fitter - Red Seal - 6 to 8 weeks - $663
Professional Cook in-class technical training
- Professional Cook 1 - BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks - $663
- Professional Cook 2 - BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks - $663
- Professional Cook 3 - Red Seal - 6 weeks - $663
Professional Cook e-apprenticeship option
The E-pprentice Cook program provides the option for online delivery of the Technical Training of PRCO-401, PRCO-402, or PRCO-403 over an approximately six-month period (compared to six weeks of Technical Training in the traditional apprenticeship program).
Financial Supports
Apprentice Employment Insurance
Apprentices should apply for Apprentice EI (Service Canada) financial support before the start of the program and up to 4 weeks in advance. Late applications may result in Service Canada denying funding.
Grants
The Government of Canada provides Funding programs and grants for training. Explore current and upcoming funding opportunities.
Curriculum & courses
Camosun's Trades Apprenticeship Schedules
Call 250-370-3550 to ask about seat availability.
Trades Apprenticeship schedules
Register for Apprenticeship Technical Training
Ready to get started at Vancouver Island's largest provider of trades training? Camosun accepts applications to apprenticeship technical training programs year-round.
Other options for becoming an apprentice at Camosun
If you aren't already working in your industry of choice consider enrolling in a full-time Foundation program. Upon successful completion of a Foundation program, you will be granted credit for the first level of apprenticeship training in your field.
Explore trades foundation programs.
Contact us
If you have admissions questions contact the Admissions office.
If you have questions about what you can expect to learn in your Trades classes contact tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.
Faculty/staff profile
Kyle Broad
Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades
Faculty/staff profile
Darren Vaux
Chair, Program Leader, Plumbing and Pipe Trades,
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Faculty/staff profile
Albert van Akker
Chair, Architectural Trades and Carpentry Program Leader
Specialty programs
Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people.
Contact information
Trades Apprenticeship Office
Admissions questions: