Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Upgrading & Preparatory
Study options
Full-time
Work experience
None
Open to International
No
Length
15 weeks
At a glance image

Applied, entry level, hands-on learning
With our help and support, you’ll learn entry-level employment skills, obtain external certifications, get practical workplace experience, and develop the confidence to pursue further learning, volunteering and employment opportunities.
Earn a certificate in Occupations Launch for Transition to Employment or Community Leadership
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition free for domestic students. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) will continue to cover the cost of textbooks and student and registration fees for eligible students.
In the Occupations Launch program, you will develop the skills, attitudes, and knowledge that prepare you for finding and maintaining a stable occupation within entry level work and/or non-paid community contributions. You'll explore the values, practices and benefits related to lifelong learning and being connected to communities through meaningful contributions and esteemed roles.
Each specialization can be completed in 15 weeks with part-time study options available. You'll learn at your own pace and level, and receive ongoing guidance and support to connect with resources and occupational opportunities that reflect your abilities, interests, and values.
You'll apply your learning to create stability and advancement within a chosen occupational sector (paid or unpaid). You will use job search skills, demonstrate teamwork skills and develop leadership skills through extensive work experience placements, mentorship relationships and peer-supported reflective activities.
Programs that fit you
Whether you're looking for entry-level skills, creative hands-on learning, or a training environment that suits how you learn best, Employment Training and Preparation (ETP) programs provide options.
A supportive learning environment
We offer flexible learning programs that start where you are now and provide a foundation to help you develop the confidence to pursue further learning, volunteering and employment. We will support you to connect with the college community and enjoy meaningful employment experiences.
Whether you love getting your hands in the dirt or working with people, our supportive staff will help you grow.
Sharpen your skills!
Gain customer service, time management and communication skills. You'll learn telephone and interview skills, how to deal with common workplace problems, and how to prepare a resumé and undertake an effective job search.
We’ll prepare you to ask questions that will help you when job hunting and give you opportunities to work on basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills. As well, you can get certifications like First Aid, WorldHost, FoodSafe and a modified WHMIS.
Develop new skills
Spend four to eight months with us and develop new skills, gain work experience and earn a college certificate.
Estimated tuition
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
$1,663 - $2,652 (domestic 4-8 months)
Scholarships, bursaries and awards
Upgrading programs and courses are tuition-free for domestic students. The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) will continue to cover the cost of textbooks and student and registration fees for eligible students.
There are many financial resources to tap into while you are at college to help with your education and living costs. Apply for scholarships & awards that are specifically given to program students, as well as awards specific to the School of Access.
You may also want to visit Financial Aid & Awards for more information about funding.
Earn a college certificate, gain work experience, develop new skills.
We'll help prepare you for entry-level employment in industries that focus on customer service, farm to table food service, and gardening and food production.
What to expect
ETP programs are four to eight months long, start in September (Fall term) or January (Winter term) and are located at our Interurban campus. All courses are self-paced, with a combination of classroom studies and work experience on campus or in the community. You may enrol for full-time or part-time studies, and you will be required to interview for each ETP program you wish to enrol in.
What you'll learn
ETP programs are four to eight months long, start in September (Fall term) or January (Winter term) and are located at our Interurban campus.
Related Links
Curriculum & courses
Admission Requirements
All students admitted to the Occupations Launch program must participate in an intake conversation to determine suitability for the program and for working in an applied learning setting at the college. A Certificate in Sector-Specific Employment Training is advised.
Step 1 - Contact us
Mark Fournier - Occupations Launch | Phone: 250-370-3839 | fournierm@camosun.ca
Step 2 - Intake Conversation
Chat with an instructor to discover if ETP is right for you. Determine which courses you will start with.
If you discover that ETP is not the right program for you, we may be able to suggest alternative programs or resources.
Step 3 - Application/Financial Aid/Registration
ETP staff will help you fill out all the necessary forms and guide you through the process:
- Application
- Financial Aid, if you are eligible
- Registration
Note: Each ETP program is a stand-alone offering. Current students must inform ETP staff that they wish to continue on into another ETP program and book an intake conversation. See Step 1
For more detailed information about this program, see the Academic Calendar.
Missing admission requirements?
Take an assessment or upgrade with us.
Our Teaching Staff
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students’ individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile

Mark Fournier
Chair, Employment Training and Preparation
Faculty/staff profile

Laura Friesen
Instructional Assistant | Instructor, Employment Training and Prep
Faculty/staff profile

Jody Isaac
Instructor, Employment Training and Preparation

Learn more
Find a full list of courses and specific admission requirements.
Contact information
Mark Fournier, Chair of Employment Training and Preparation
We want to hear from you!
Campus location
Camosun College Interurban
4461 Interurban Rd
Victoria, BC V9E 2C1
Location link