Apprentice Training

Camosun offers apprenticeship training in a wide variety of trades, including 12 trades with the Interprovincial Red Seal endorsement.

Apprentice working on machinery

Program at a glance

Credential

Certificate

Work experience

None

Study options

Full-time

Blended delivery

Open to International

No

Length

5-10 weeks depending on trade

Seat availability

Choose your training date from the program training schedules then call us at 250-370-3550 ext. 3, Registration, to confirm seat availability.
Training schedules

What kind of Trades student are you?

"I want to learn a trade but don't have much experience or an employer sponsor."

  • If this sounds like you, try exploring Trade Foundation programs. Foundation programs are a great way to get the knowledge and training you need to find employment.

"I'm working and have an employer willing to sponsor me as a registered apprentice."

  • If this sounds like you read on to learn more about Trades technical programs!

Technical training programs for registered apprentices

If you are currently employed as an apprentice, you can get your required technical training at Camosun. Depending on which trade you've chosen, you'll be in school for four to 10 weeks in each year of your apprenticeship.

Skilled Trades BC logo

 

Program standards for each trade's required training are set by SkilledTradesBC.

Red Seal badge

Camosun College is a proud supporter of the Red Seal interprovincial trades program. 

In-school technical training

As an apprentice, you’ll spend about 80% of your time on the job, so you earn while you learn. In addition to that practical experience, you also need to sign up for a few weeks of in-school technical training each year. Practical work hours and technical training are both required to achieve your full trade qualification.

If an employee and employer agree to enter into a contract for an apprenticeship, the employee or employer may contact the Industry Training Authority to register as an apprentice. The apprentice works full time for the employer and attends technical training at Camosun.

Training is usually between 4 and 10 weeks. When you're not attending technical training you'll be on the job learning the practical skills needed to complete your apprenticeship requirements.

While at Camosun you will develop your skills in communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematics, and safe work practices.

Skilled Trades BC logo

Program outlines

Program standards and curriculum for each trade's required training are set by SkilledTradesBC.

You can find program profiles and outlines on the SkilledTradesBC website.

Tuition and fees

Direct Entry Apprenticeship program tuition fees

Effective from September 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023

The following lists the technical training offered at Camosun. Approx. cost per level. 

Architectural Trades

  • Carpenter - Red Seal - 7 weeks - $663
  • Construction Craft Worker - Red Seal - 4 weeks - $663

Electrical Trades

  • Electrician, Red Seal, 10 weeks, $1,071

Metal Trades

  • Metal Fabricator - Red Seal - 6 or 7 weeks - $561
  • Sheet Metal Worker - Red Seal - 6 or 8 weeks - $663
  • Welder - Red Seal - 8 or 10 weeks - $867

Motor Vehicle Trades

  • Automotive Service Technician - Red Seal - 7 weeks - $663
  • Diesel Engine Mechanic - Red Seal - 8 to 10 weeks - $765
  • Heavy Duty Equipment Technician - Red Seal - 4 to 10 weeks
  • Transport Trailer Technician - Red Seal - 4 to 10 weeks
  • Truck and Transport Mechanic - Red Seal - 4 to 10 weeks

Plumbing & Pipe Trades

  • Domestic/Commercial Gas Fitter - BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks - $663
  • Plumber - Red Seal - 6 to 8 weeks - $663
  • Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic - Red Seal - 6 to 10 weeks - $663
  • Sprinkler Fitter - Red Seal - 6 weeks - $663
  • Steam/Pipe Fitter - Red Seal - 6 to 8 weeks - $663

Professional Cook in-class technical training  

  • Professional Cook 1 - BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks - $663
  • Professional Cook 2 - BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks - $663     
  • Professional Cook 3 - Red Seal - 6 weeks - $663

Professional Cook e-apprenticeship option
The E-pprentice Cook program provides the option for online delivery of the Technical Training of PRCO-401, PRCO-402, or PRCO-403 over an approximately six-month period (compared to six weeks of Technical Training in the traditional apprenticeship program).

Financial Supports

Apprentice Employment Insurance

Apprentices should apply for Apprentice EI (Service Canada) financial support before the start of the program and up to 4 weeks in advance. Late applications may result in Service Canada denying funding.

Grants

The Government of Canada provides Funding programs and grants for training. Explore current and upcoming funding opportunities.

Curriculum & courses

Camosun's Trades Apprenticeship Schedules

Call 250-370-3550 to ask about seat availability.

Trades Apprenticeship schedules

Register for Apprenticeship Technical Training

Ready to get started at Vancouver Island's largest provider of trades training? Camosun accepts applications to apprenticeship technical training programs year-round. 

Steps to register


Other options for becoming an apprentice at Camosun

If you aren't already working in your industry of choice consider enrolling in a full-time Foundation program. Upon successful completion of a Foundation program, you will be granted credit for the first level of apprenticeship training in your field.
 

Explore trades foundation programs

Contact us

Registration questions

If your inquiry is time sensitive we recommend phoning 250-370-3550 #3. When emailing please include your full name and student number. registration@camosun.ca

Questions about your classes

If you have questions about the program contact 250-370-3856tradesinfo@camosun.ca or the Department Chair.

Faculty/staff profile

Kyle Broad

Kyle Broad

Chair, Motor Vehicle and Metal Trades

broadk@camosun.ca
250–370–3786
Centre for Technology Education and Innovation (CTEI)
Full bio

Faculty/staff profile

Albert van Akker - Program Chair

Albert van Akker

Chair, Architectural Trades and Carpentry Program Leader

vanakker@camosun.ca
250–370–3802
JD 134A
Full bio

Carpentry student at work

Specialty programs

Camosun offers specialty programs to support trades education for Women and Indigenous people. 

Contact information

Trades Apprenticeship Office

Campus location

Centre for Trades Education and Innovation (CTEI), room 102

Location link

Interurban Campus

250-370-3856

tradesinfo@camosun.ca