Occupations Launch, Certificate

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

Clinical/fieldwork placement

Study options

Full-time

Part-time

Open to International

Area of study

Upgrading & Preparatory

Length

15 weeks

Tuition-free

Upgrading courses and programs are tuition-free for domestic students.

Grant info

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 how to use the telephone and interview, deal with common workplace problems, prepare a resume 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.

What you'll learn

Program outline

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Program outline

Earn a college certificate, gain work experience, and 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.

Tuition and fees

Effective from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025

Estimated tuition

Tuition estimates are for the entire program.

For domestic students, 0-level upgrading courses are tuition-free.

Occupations Launch - Transition to Employment, Certificate

$1,757 (domestic)

Occupations Launch - Community Leadership, Certificate

$1,757 (domestic)

Domestic tuition fees vary depending on the individual course fees for the classes you select.

Student fees

In addition to tuition estimates, student fees are calculated based on your enrolment. Refer to: Student Fees.

Financial assistance

*The Adult Upgrading Grant (AUG) covers student fees, deposit, tuition (if applicable), required textbooks and childcare support for eligible students enrolled in 0-level upgrading courses.

You may need to find more than one source of funding to help pay for your education and living costs while attending college. Check out sources of money you don't need to pay back as well as those that need to be repaid.

Financial Aid & Awards

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.

Information and application process

Step 1 - Contact us

Contact Laura Friesen, Instructor, Sector-Specific Employment Training at friesenl@camosun.ca, 250-370-4981 to schedule an intake conversation.

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 2 - Application/Financial Aid/Registration

ETP staff will help you fill out all the necessary forms and guide you through the process:

For more details, including courses, please see the program outline in the academic calendar.

Note: Each ETP program is a stand-alone offering. Current students must inform ETP staff that they wish to continue on to another ETP program and book an intake conversation.

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.