Women in Trades Training

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Open to International

Area of study

Trades & Apprenticeship

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 program

Discover two different avenues to a career in the skilled trades; Trade Skills Foundation or Direct Entry Foundation Training.

Logos for the Government of Canada, British Columbia and ITA

Trade Skills Foundation (exploratory program)

Over 12 weeks you'll explore a variety of trades, career paths and safety practices/training. The program teaches foundation skills required to successfully learn on the job and provides a path to other Trade foundation or apprenticeship programs. Trades covered may include:

Automotive
Carpentry
Electrical
Fine Furniture
Plumbing
Professional Cook
Sheet Metal

Length 12-weeks

Location Camosun College, Interurban Campus

Credential Certificate in Trades Skills Foundation (CORE), Construction

Direct Entry 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:
1. Unemployed, or working less than 20 hours per week, or
2. 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.

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:

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