A female sheet metal student working in the metal shop.
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Trade and Apprenticeship Programs

For more than 40 years Camosun College has been considered one of B.C.'s best schools for trades training. 

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

Two paths to Trades

Trades Foundation

Apprenticeship Programs

Foundation or pre-employment programs provide entry-level technical training and the skills needed for specific trades and can make it easier to find an employer to sponsor your apprenticeship training.

An apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads to a trade credential - or "ticket". If you're ready to start an apprenticeship, you'll need to find a job with an employer who will sponsor and train you. You can get your required technical training at Camosun. 

Once you complete your apprenticeship and receive your ticket, you are qualified to work in a skilled trade.

How to apply

Apply through EducationPlannerBC

How to apply

To register for Apprenticeship training, email your completed application form to apprentice@camosun.ca

      Automotive/Motor Vehicle Trades

      Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

      Automotive Service Technician Foundation
      Certificate - 30 weeks

      Provides entry into the automotive mechanical repair trade, and provides possible accreditation toward Year 1 Apprenticeship training.

      Heavy Mechanical Trades
      Certificate - 10 months

      These tradespeople are in constant demand to keep essential heavy duty vehicles in top running order for the booming construction, transportation, mining and forestry industries.

      Register today

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      Architectural/Woodworking/Carpentry Trades

      Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

      Carpentry Foundation
      Certificate - 25 weeks

      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
      Certificate - 10 months

      Looking for a program that combines traditional woodworking and joinery skills with creativity and design? The Fine Furniture program will provide the foundation you need to start a career as a cabinetmaker, or design and build your own custom pieces.

      Register today

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      Culinary Arts/Cooking

      Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

      Professional Cook (Level 1 & 2)
      Certificate - 28/14 weeks

      Learn the fundamentals of food preparation in all aspects of a modern industrial kitchen.

      E-PPRENTICE option
      Need more flexibility? The E-PPRENTICE Cook program provides the option for& online delivery of the Technical Training portion of your apprenticeship.

      Register today

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      Electrical Trades

      Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

      Electrical Foundation
      Certificate - 25 weeks

      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.

      Register today

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      Horticulture/Landscaping

      Foundation ProgramApprenticeship Program

      Horticulture Technician
      Certificate - 10 months

      Prepares you for employment in the horticulture industry in areas such as landscaping, landscape maintenance, parks, golf courses, retail garden outlets, greenhouses, silviculture, wholesale nurseries and plant propagation.

      N/A

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      Plumbing & Pipe Trades

      Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

      Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation
      Certificate - 30 weeks

      The training programs prepare you for entry level employment and apprenticeships within a diverse field of trades including plumbing, gasfitting, sprinklerfitting and steam/pipefitting.

      Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanic Foundation
      Certificate - 30 weeks

      Focuses on the first-year competencies that are common to all of the piping trades. You'll work through common core, occupational core and refrigeration & air conditioning specialty modules.

      Register today

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      Metal/Welding Trades

      Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

      Sheet Metal & Metal Fabrication Foundation
      Certificate - 30 weeks

      Opens doors to apprenticeships and careers in construction, shipbuilding and manufacturing.

      Welder Foundation
      Certificate - 28 weeks

      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.

      Register today

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      Carpentry student at work

      Trades initiatives

      Programs and funding to help Indigenous people and women get started with a career in the trades.