Applications are now open for the Industry Ready Carpentry Foundation Program, offering eligible participants a tuition-free pathway to a career in carpentry through hands-on training and paid workplace experience.
The program runs from August 31 through May 2027 and includes classroom instruction, carpentry foundations training, enhanced technical and safety training, industry certifications and a six-week paid work placement with a local employer. It can accommodate 16 students, who will receive a Carpentry Foundation Certificate from Selkirk College.
In addition to technical training, participants will receive employment preparation and job-search support to help them successfully transition into the skilled trades. Tuition is fully funded for eligible participants, and financial assistance may be available to help cover living expenses during training.
This program is offered through a partnership between Selkirk College, the Kootenay Career Development Society and local employers, with support from the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years of age and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN).
- Live in British Columbia.
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Be unemployed or precariously employed.
- Be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) or be a BC Employment and Assistance (BCEA) client, including Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and non-PWD recipients.
The program is intended for individuals facing barriers to employment, including limited work experience, employment gaps or language barriers. Priority will be given to Indigenous applicants, individuals receiving income assistance and workers whose employment has been affected by tariffs, including those from the softwood lumber industry.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should have:
- Graduation from a BC senior secondary school or equivalent.
- Workplace Math 11 or Selkirk AUD Math 46 with a minimum grade of 60%.
Mature applicants aged 19 or older who have not graduated from secondary school may also be considered if they are working toward the recommended educational requirements, including:
- Grade 10 or equivalent, including English 10 and Mathematics 10.
- Grade 12 is preferred.
Apply for the Program
Interested in applying? Contact Kootenay Career Development Society to register for a mandatory information session.
