The tools for your future are here
Okanagan College offers the newest equipment and technologies in state-of-the-art training facilities located in Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Penticton. É«É«É«ÇéƬ master skills taught by industry-leading instructors while gaining hands-on experience. Learn in small classes, in more than 20 different programs that have provincial, national and international recognition. Whether you are seeking Red Seal certification or one-time specialty industry training, education at OC sets you up for a successful career.
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Already know which program you want to apply for? Skip straight to the application process now!
| Entry-level Foundation Program *To explore our programs and schedules, see below. Training Schedules and availability for each program are included under each individual program page. | Apprenticeship Technical Training Program *Apprenticeship Technical Training programs are designed for registered apprentices who are already working in the industry. |
PayMyTuition Notice
Please Note: As of June 26, 2024 new apprenticeship students can pay their deposit or tuition through via . For further instructions and details click here.
Please contact the office at 250-862-5457 or apprenticeship@okanagan.bc.ca for assistance.
Jill of All Trades™ is a day-long event to inspire young women in Grades 9-12 to pursue education and careers in skilled trades and apprenticeship. Jill of All Trades™ has been a tremendous success internationally. The event includes many hands-on workshops in the motive power, manufacturing, and construction trades sectors. Female mentors lead these workshops to help young women develop a better understanding of the potential of skilled trades’ careers.
Okanagan College will be hosting the next Jill of All Trades event in November 22 2024 at our Vernon campus and in May 22 2025 at our Kelowna campus
Awards and Bursaries
Canerector Trades Awards
- Winter 2025 are open as of December 1, 2024. Applications received to date for Winter 2025 will be added to the Winter 2025 round.
- Applications will close February 15
Domestic students with confirmed seats in Construction, Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle, Aerospace and Manufacturing Trades Foundation or Diploma classes are eligible to apply.
Highstreet Entrance Bursaries for Foundation Level Construction Trades
Thirteen (13) entrance bursaries are available – valued at $6,500 each!
Up to 4 bursaries are High School Entrance, designated for those who have graduated from a BC Secondary school in the last 18 months.
É«É«É«ÇéƬ must be entering a construction trade: Carpenter, Carpenter-Joiner, Electrician, Plumbing & Piping, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, or Welder Foundation/ Pre-Apprenticeship.
Applications for the Highstreet Entrance Bursary are open:
- Fall 2024 High School Entrance Awards – Dec. 1, 2023 to March 8, 2024
- Fall Entrance Awards – July 1 to September 15, 2024
- Winter Entrance Awards – December 1, 2024 to February 15
- Summer Entrance Awards - March 1 to May 31
Foundation vs apprenticeship: what's the difference?
Foundation programs are entry-level training programs for people with little or no experience in the field. Apprenticeships are for people working in the trade for an employer who sponsors their education and training.
Explore Trades
Aerospace
Local, national, and global employment opportunities are soaring for certified Aircraft Maintenance professionals
Collision Repair
Focus on attention to detail and the importance of high-quality repairs while learning from Red Seal-certified instructors and the latest equipment.
Carpentry
Training in carpentry and joinery can help you develop skills to build a career you are proud of.
Culinary
Grow your culinary career in the heart of the Okanagan Valley with programs focusing on a farm-to-table approach, exploring fresh local products.
Electrical
Train to become an Electrician who inspects and tests highly sensitive electrical systems.
Motor Vehicle Trades
Drive the direction of your career with studies in Heavy Mechanical, Automotive Service and Recreation Vehicle Service programs.
Mechanical Building Trades
This department focuses on maintenance, testing and operation of all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the distribution of steam, water systems including fire prevention sprinklers, natural gas or propane systems and building plumbing systems.
Welding
Spark your skills by learning a variety of welding processes and using specialized equipment to create a solid bond between metal plate and/or pipe.
Trades Continuing Studies
Expand your employment opportunities by advertising your skills with certificates.
| Industry Training | General Interest |
| Corporate Training | Culinary Workshops |
Trades Sampler Programs
Trades Sampler programs are ideal for learning practical skills, gain general employment certifications and explore a variety of trades.
Women In Trades Training
We are working on a new set of programming and resources!
Stay tuned for exciting information regarding Women in Trades Sampler programs, mentorship and other opportunities.
Current resources and programming:
Those who identify as female have access to priority seats in all of our Foundation programs (with the exception of Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts) and each of our apprenticeship intakes (all trades). One seat is held in each intake until 4 months prior to the program start.
We have many awards available to all students – visit our Financial Aid and Awards page.
Female specific awards for Trades students:
- Prospera Credit Union – Prospera Women in Trades Bursaries ($1500)
- Gilkinson Women in Trades Bursaries ($750)
- Canadian Federation of University Women Kelowna Foundation Trades Award ($1000)
OC offers for girls in grades 4-6 have an opportunity to explore trades. Youth programs are one-week in length and focus on fostering a passion for trades while developing new skills.
This new hands-on, high energy annual event is for girls in grades 9-12. Girls may apply through their school and we welcome female industry mentors, past and current students to support this event.
Upcoming Dates: Vernon November 22 2024 and Kelowna May 22 2025
Trades Entrance Assessment (TEA)
The Trades Entrance Assessment is designed to provide an alternative entrance option for applicants who may not have met the required Math and/or English entrance requirements for a foundation program within the allowable time frame or cannot provide official documentation proving such. You must apply for a Trades Foundation Program and receive a response from Admission before you can register for this assessment.
Set yourself up for success!
The Trades Success Centre can assist you with preparing for the Trades Entrance Exam (TEA). Whether you have been out of high school a few years, are making a career change or have never attended post-secondary education, we can help set you up for success!
Get prepared to write the TEA by contacting Trades Success Centre Coordinator, Elke Pritchard, by email at epritchard@okanagan.bc.ca.
Learn more about Success Centres here.
Trades Frequently Asked Questions
Click on "Read Trades FAQ" for a list of commonly asked questions from trades students to help prepare yourself for training.
Trades in the news
Events
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