What's the difference between a Trade Foundation and an Apprenticeship program? They're different starting points on the same pathway towards your Red Seal endorsement and a career in the Trades.
Two paths to Trades
Foundation Programs vs. Apprenticeships - What's the difference?
Foundation programs
Trade foundations or pre-employment programs provide entry-level technical training and the skills needed for specific trades. If you're not currently working in your chosen field a foundation program can make it easier to find an employer to sponsor your apprenticeship training.
Apprenticeship programs
If you're currently employed and sponsored by an employer who is registered at SkilledTradesBC. You'll do your 'classroom' or 'technical training' at Camosun. Upon successful completion, you'll be eligible to write the Red Seal Exam.
Find Your Trade
Automotive/Motor Vehicle Trades
Foundation Programs | Apprenticeship Programs |
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Automotive Service Technician Foundation - In Demand Heavy Mechanical Trades - In Demand | Motor Vehicle Trades Apprenticeships
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Architectural/Woodworking/Carpentry Trades
Foundation Programs | Apprenticeship Program |
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Carpentry Foundation We'll teach you the skills and knowledge necessary to get started as a carpenter and build a solid future for yourself and your community. Fine Furniture/Joinery Foundation This program combines traditional woodworking and joinery skills with creativity and design providing the foundation you need to start a career as a cabinetmaker or design and build custom pieces. | Red Seal - Seven weeks per level There are four levels of training to complete your Red Seal Certification. |
Culinary Arts / Professional Cook
Foundation Programs | Apprenticeship Programs |
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Professional Cook (Level 1 & 2) Learn the fundamentals of food preparation in all aspects of a modern industrial kitchen. |
E-pprenticeship Option |
Electrical Trades
Foundation Programs | Apprenticeship Programs |
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Electrical Foundation You’ll learn to install, maintain, design and upgrade a wide variety of electrical systems including commercial and residential wiring systems, heating, lighting and power distribution systems, electrical equipment and alternate energy generating equipment, alarm and data systems, and industrial systems. | Construction Electrician - In Demand Requires four levels to gain a Red Seal Certification. |
Horticulture/Landscaping
Foundation Program | Apprenticeship Program |
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Horticulture Technician Prepare for employment in the horticulture industry in areas including landscaping, landscape maintenance, parks, golf courses, retail garden outlets, greenhouses, silviculture, wholesale nurseries and plant propagation. | N/A |
Plumbing & Pipe Trades
Foundation Programs | Apprenticeship Programs |
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Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation Prepare for entry level employment and apprenticeships in plumbing, gasfitting, sprinklerfitting and steam/pipefitting. Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation Focuses on the first-year competencies that are common to all of the piping trades including common core, occupational core and refrigeration and air conditioning specialty modules. |
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Metal/Welding Trades
If you have completed the Foundation program or have Welder Level C certification and want to advance your career with further training, learn more here.
Welder Modular A, B and Welder Upgrading /Testing is available.
Foundation Programs | Apprenticeship programs |
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Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation Opens doors to apprenticeships and careers in construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing. Welder Foundation Conforming to industrial standards, practices and procedures, this competency-based program provides you with the skills you'll need to prosper in today's job market. | Metal and Welding Apprenticeships
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Vancouver Island's largest provider of Trade Training
For more than 40 years Camosun College has been considered one of B.C.'s best schools for trades training.
Camosun accepts applications to apprenticeship technical training programs year-round.
Call 250-370-3550 to ask about seat availability.
Trades initiatives
Programs and funding to help Indigenous people and women get started with a career in the trades.