Trades Programs: School of Trades and Technology: Thompson Rivers University

This entry-level program is ideal for students with little or no trades training who are not currently employed as apprentices. You will receive Level 1 technical training and earn documented apprenticeship hours, giving you the skills, experience, and credentials needed to pursue your first job and apprenticeship opportunity. In programs like Welding and Residential Construction program you will get Level 1 and 2.

Apprenticeship training is for those currently working in the industry, and are indentured into a formal agreement between their employer and the SkilledTradesBC. Students must have a valid SkilledTradesBC individual identification number (obtained from the SkilledTradesBC).

Apprenticeship is paid, work-based training, usually combined with post-secondary education. Typically, about 80 to 85 percent of an apprenticeship is made up of work-based training and the other 15 to 20 percent is made up of technical training taken in a classroom and shop setting. The length of an apprenticeship can range from one to five years, but most require four years to complete.

Successful completion of both components, along with examinations, is required before an apprentice earns a certificate or ticket, and becomes a certified tradesperson in his or her trade.

Many trades, known as the Red Seal trades, have nationally recognized certification standards. The credentials of a certified tradesperson who has successfully earned a Red Seal ticket are recognized across Canada.

We offer a number of career-oriented degree, diploma and certificate programs on our Kamloops campus. These programs range from foundation and sampler programs tailored to introduce women of all ages and high school youth to opportunities in trades and technology, to unique industry training programs and even degrees that give you credit for your previous trades training.

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