Industry and Trades Training at Selkirk College

In today’s uncertain economic climate, few career options offer the promise that Industry and Trades Training can boast. Thousands of vacancies are projected in the trades over the coming years—vacancies that will create rewarding career employment opportunities for people with the proper credentials.

Whether you are an apprentice in need of technical training or someone looking to secure an apprenticeship or entry-level employment, you can get the credential you need in one of our Industry and Trades Training programs.

Foundation programs

Our foundation programs prepare people with no previous training for entry-level skilled trade apprenticeship positions. Each program includes a theoretical classroom component and a practical shop component where students develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become successful apprentices.

Apply for a foundation program in one of the following skilled trades:

• Carpentry: 24-week certificate
• Electrical: 24-week certificate
• Fine Woodworking (Joinery/Cabinet Making): 36-week certificate
• General Mechanics (Automotive, Heavy Duty, Commercial Transport): 36-week certificate
• Metal Fabricator: 23-week certificate
• Millwright/Machinist: 36-week certificate

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeships* combine a work-based component (80-88%) with a technical training component (12-20%). Selkirk College offers the technical training component to registered industry apprentices in the following trades:

• Carpentry: levels 1-4 (each level is 6 weeks) 
• Electrical: levels 1-4 (each level is 10 weeks) 
• Professional Cook Training: level 1 (28 weeks) and level 2 (14 weeks)

*Note: The BC Industry Training Authority (ITA) issues Trade Worker Identification (TWID) numbers to registered apprentices. Apprentices without TWID numbers are not eligible for admission to Selkirk College Apprenticeship classes. To register your apprenticeship and secure a TWID number, follow the link to the Apprentice and Sponsor Registration Form.

ACE-IT Programs

Accelerated Credit Enrolment in Industry Training (ACE-IT) programs provide a wonderful opportunity for secondary school students to get a head-start in a skilled trade and earn graduation credits in the process.

High school students interested in pursuing a career in the trades should contact their counselors about ACE-IT opportunities in their district.

Other Industry & Trade programs

BC Electrical Code / self-paced, distance education: The BC Electrical Code course prepares electricians to successfully challenge the BC Field Safety Representative qualification exam. Students gain proficiency in proper use of the Canadian Electrical Code book and learn correct interpretations of code rules and pertinent regulations.

Esthetics / 31-week certificate: Our Esthetics program prepares students for rewarding careers in the professional body care industry. Graduates of the program earn the Special Beauty Culture License as sanctioned by the Cosmetology Industry Association of British Columbia.

Hairdressing (Cosmetology) / 36-week certificate: The Hairdressing program includes classroom instruction, salon practice and a hands-on practicum in a commercial salon that prepare students for careers in hairstyling and beauty culture. Graduates earn Interprovincial Red Seal certification as hairdressers.

Plant Operator / 24-week certificate: The Plant Operator program combines learning experiences in classroom and shop environments as well as a 6-week practicum in an industrial setting. Students learn job entry skills that enable them to monitor and control industrial equipment in manufacturing, processing and resource extraction plants in addition to arenas, recreation complexes, hospitals, schools and other facilities.

Welding / C-Level (28 weeks), B-Level (16 weeks), A-Level (8 weeks): Our Welding programs* deliver provincial curriculum through practical skills training. Graduates who serve a required number of hours on the job earn certification from the BC Industry Training Authority (ITA). Welders who possess Introduction to Steel Fabricator certification are more versatile, possess enhanced jobs skills and are more employable.

*Note: The A, B, and C-Level Welding programs are presently under provincial review and subject to change. Please refer to this site for updates.

Refrigeration Plant Operator is a comprehensive 9-unit course approved by the BC Safety Authority taught entirely through Distance Education. This course is one of the requirements needed to challenge the Refrigeration Operator's certificated of qualification.

The course material serves as an invaluable resource while working in the refrigeration field. Students can apply at any time for this course. Tuition includes six months of telephone tutorial plus all printed materials. If necessary, a two month extension can be granted for an additional charge of $200.

For more information on Selkirk College’s School of Industry and Trades Training, email or call 1.866.301.6601, ext. 3221.

Interested in an industry-based training program?

The School of Industry Trades and Training  offers Industry-Based Training Programs that can be delivered on your work-site. Selkirk College will tailor a program to suit your company’s needs and schedule.

Industry related courses such as Occupational First Aid, Air Brakes, Forklift Operation, Refrigeration, AutoCAD, Rigging, FallSafe, and Tradesperson Upgrading are offered throughout the year at the college or at the workplace through the Continuing Education Department.

To inquire about availability of these programs and/or to register, please email or call 1.866.301.6601, ext 3266.

Links of Interest

• Industry Training Authority of BC - apprenticeship information
• BC Workinfonet Youth Site - information on careers, work, and life transitions for youth between the ages of 15 and 29.