Program at a glance
Credential
Certificate
Work experience
None
Study options
Full-time
Open to International
No
Area of study
Length
12 week
Kick start your career in the trade that is right for you
The Women in Trades Training (WITT) initiative is part of a long-term strategy to match women's skills to the needs of BC's workplace. Funding for the Women in Trades Training initiative is provided through the Canada–British Columbia Workforce Development Agreement.

Today, the door is open to women in every BC trades career
Camosun's WITT career exploration programs expose you to different trades and career options, with a focus on safety, skills upgrading, and enhancing your job readiness.
Experience hands-on learning opportunities, safety training, and career mentorship and site tours with industry employers.
You'll also develop your resume, practice interview and job search skills, and enhance your team-building expertise.
Eligibility and sponsorship
WITT is open to women with various backgrounds and skill levels who are looking for a career within the trades. Camosun, through our Women in Trades Training office, offers two different sponsorship avenues:
- Trades Skills Foundation (TSF) for Women programs, and/or
- Foundation sponsorship into one of Camosun's skilled Trades Foundation/pre-apprenticeship programs
What our students say
“Through the Women in Trades Program I was able to go into the Carpentry Foundations Program and I am now qualified to work in the carpentry industry as a first year apprentice. I learned how to use all of the tools in the carpentry shop and I am now comfortable using them when I show up on a job site. I was also able to get my Fall Protection certification, and my First Aid to help further my chances of being hired. At the end of the Women in Trades Program, they provided me with a four day opportunity to experience work in the carpentry industry.”
- Kim, 1st Year Carpentry Apprentice with Local 276
Trade sampling programs
Choose to focus on construction, marine trades or explore the trades with Camosun's Foundation sampler.

Note Days/times/location are subject to change with adequate notice.
Construction focus
This 12-week program trains individuals for employment as entry level trades helpers and skilled labourers in a number of trades careers in the construction industry. The program teaches foundation skills required to successfully learn on the job and provides opportunities for bridging into other foundation or apprenticeship programs.
Note Due to COVID-19 the delivery of the program will be moved to a blended format with theory work being completed online. For up to date information please contact the program coordinator TDSP@camosun.ca
Limited seats available.
- Start date TBD
- Length 12-weeks of hands on training, safety training, upgrading and job readiness.
- Location Camosun College, Interurban Campus
- Credential Certificate in Trades Skills Foundation (CORE), Construction
Marine focus
This 12-week program trains individuals for employment as entry level trades helpers and skilled labourers in a number of trades careers in the marine industry. The program teaches foundation skills required to successfully learn on the job and provides opportunities for bridging into other foundation or apprenticeship programs.
Limited seats available.
- Start date TBD
- Length 12 weeks of hands on training, safety training, upgrading and job readiness.
- Location Camosun College, Interurban Campus
- Credential Certificate in Trades Skills Foundation (CORE), Marine
- More info Download program poster
Foundation Training
Camosun Women in Trades Training offers sponsorship for eligible and selected women in their pursuit of becoming a tradesperson by supporting Foundation training at the college.
To apply for WITT sponsorship for Foundation programming at Camosun College, applicants must have the prerequisites for that particular program. Check the Admission Requirements tab for any of Camosun's Trades Foundation programs (pre-apprentice programs) and their respective prerequisites.
Women in Trades Training Foundation sponsorships may include full tuition, textbooks, and personal protective equipment (PPE) where applicable
Funding requirements
WITT might be right for you if you are:
- A Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person (under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, S.C. 2001, c. 27) legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Living in British Columbia
- Not a full-time student (not enrolled in high school or post-secondary training)
- Not actively participating in another provincially or federally funded labour market program, and
- whose employment status is:
- Unemployed, or working less than 20 hours per week, or
- Precariously employed. Precarious employment is defined as:
- is working in unstable or unsustainable employment (including self-employment) as evidenced by:
- irregular hours of work (such as casual labour or on-call work);
- unreliable remuneration (such as piece-work or commission); and/or
- earnings that cannot support an individual or their family;
- is working, but has a total employment (including self-employment) income that is below the market basket measures;
- is working in an industry or occupation that is likely to be replaced by technology or automation in the near future;
- is working in an occupation or profession that is clearly lower than their skills or qualifications and that provides no imminent prospect of advancement; or
- has Just Cause for leaving their current employment.
- is working in unstable or unsustainable employment (including self-employment) as evidenced by:
Curriculum & courses
Trade sampling programs
How to apply
Step 1
Determine your eligibility, found in the funding requirements below.
Step 2
Send a one-page letter of intent to include:
- Your eligibility as per the funding requirements
- Description of why you are interested in the program, and what your future career goals are
- Description of your past work, and educational experiences
- Include phone and email contact information
- Indicate which program and start date you are interested in
Step 3
Send your completed letter and a copy of your resume to: TDSP@camosun.ca
Once your eligibility is confirmed, the Coordinator will be in touch via email to arrange an appointment.
Foundation training
How to apply
Step 1
Apply to a Trades Foundation program at Camosun College.
*Open to students enrolled in Foundation programs, (or Level 1 Apprentices) in any of the following trades:
- Automotive Service Technician Foundation
- Carpentry Foundation
- Electrical Foundation
- Fine Furniture/Joinery Trades Foundation
- Heavy Duty Mechanical Foundation
- Plumbing & Piping Trades Foundation
- Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation
- Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation
- Trades Skills Foundation
- Welder Foundation
Camosun offers apprenticeship training for 20 distinct trades, including 12 trades with the Interprovincial Red Seal Endorsement.
Step 2
Once you are qualified for the Foundation and have received notification from Camosun registration, send a one-page letter to the women in trades department which includes:
- Your eligibility as per the funding requirements
- Description of why you are interested in the applicable foundation program, and what your future career goals are
- Description of your past work and educational experiences
- Include phone and email contact information
Step 3
Send your completed letter and a copy of your resume to: TDSP@camosun.ca
Once your eligibility is confirmed, the Coordinator will be in touch via email to arrange an appointment to discuss sponsorship options.
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.
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
WITT Bursaries
Are you a female student pursuing a Red Seal Trades program experiencing financial need?
Contact information
Women in Trades Training
Heather Solomonson, Coordinator
Admissions questions: