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Trade and Apprenticeship Programs

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 programsprovide 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 makeit 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.

    Automotive/Motor Vehicle Trades

    Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

    Automotive Service Technician Foundation-In Demand
    Certificate - 30 weeks
    Provides entry into the automotive mechanical repair trade, and provides possible accreditation toward Year 1 Apprenticeship training.


    Heavy Mechanical Trades-In Demand
    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.

    Motor Vehicle Trades Apprenticeships

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

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    Architectural/Woodworking/Carpentry Trades

    Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Program

    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

    Thisprogram combines traditional woodworking and joinery skills with creativity and design providingthe foundation you need to start a career as a cabinetmaker or design and build custom pieces.

    Carpentry Apprenticeship

    Red Seal - Seven weeks per level

    There are four levels of trainingto complete your Red Seal Certification.

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    Culinary Arts / Professional Cook

    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.

    Professional Cook

    • Professional Cook 1 & 2
      BC Certificate of Qualification - 6 weeks each
    • Professional Cook 3-In Demand
      Red Seal - 6 weeks

    E-pprenticeship Option
    If you wantmore flexibility theE-pprentice Cook program gives you the option of doing the technical training portion of your apprenticeshiponline over a longer period of time.

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    Electrical Trades

    Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

    Electrical Foundation
    Certificate - 24weeks

    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
    Red Seal - 10 weeks per level

    Requires four levels to gain a Red Seal Certification.

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    Horticulture/Landscaping

    Foundation ProgramApprenticeship Program

    Horticulture Technician
    Certificate - 10 months

    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

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    Plumbing & Pipe Trades

    Foundation ProgramsApprenticeship Programs

    Plumbing & Pipe Trades Foundation
    Certificate - 30 weeks

    Prepare for entry level employment and apprenticeships in 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 including common core, occupational core and refrigeration andair conditioning specialty modules.

    Pipe Trades Apprenticeships

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

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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 /Testingis available.

    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.

    Metal and Welding Apprenticeships

    • Metal Fabricator
      Red Seal - 6 or 7 weeks
    • Sheet Metal Worker
      Red Seal - 8 weeks
    • Welder
      Red Seal - 8 or 10 weeks

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    A middle school student wearing a hard hat, protective goggles and safety gear working in the carpentry shop.

    Vancouver Island's largest provider of Trade Training

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

    Camosun accepts applications to apprenticeship technical training programsyear-round.

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

    Carpentry student at work

    Trades initiatives

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