Start a trade
By 2022, there are expected to be one million job openings in B.C., 44% of which will be in the skilled trades, hospitality, and technical occupations.
Learn the valuable hands-on skills you need to land a good-paying job. Choose one of the certificate or diploma programs below to start in September or view the complete list of trades offered at UFV and get your name added to a waitlist for the program of your choice.
UFV's Automation and Robotics program fully equips you to maintain, repair, calibrate, and support the automation equipment used in a wide variety of industries. Start with a foundation of electronics theory, assembly and troubleshooting skills, and develop the technical skills necessary to support engineers with designing and improving automated motion and control systems.
UFV’s Cabinetmaking (Joinery) program prepares you to use CAD drafting software to design cabinets and furniture, operate computer numerical control (CNC) routers to cut wood panels, and read drawings to assemble complex designs according to specifications.
When you complete the program, you may enter into the provincial apprenticeship program with full credit for Level 1. You are fully equipped to work both in small shops with basic equipment or industrial facilities with the latest woodworking technology.
UFV's Carpentry program is designed to prepare you for employment opportunities in the construction industry and related businesses such as building equipment, supply sales, shipping and delivery, building maintenance, and renovations. Applicants may be eligible for funding through B.C. Access Grant.
Once you graduate, you have the option of advanced placement in the UFV Carpentry Apprenticeship program to prepare you to earn your Red Seal certification, which opens the door to higher wages and better opportunities in the field.
Earning an Electronics Technician certificate can open wide-ranging employment opportunities nationally and globally or further studies to earn a specialization by earning an Automation and Robotics diploma or Digital Manufacturing diploma.
Learn to install, troubleshoot, and fix electronic equipment to prepare for an entry-level technical service position with manufacturers or retailers of electronic equipment, scientific equipment service centres, telecommunication centres, instrumentation service centres, business equipment centres, cable companies, power utilities, commercial sound companies, and more.
In 25 weeks, the UFV’s Plumbing and Piping program help you develop the intermediate and specialized skills required to enter the industry and prepare you to become an apprentice in plumbing, gasfitting, sprinkler fitting or steam/pipefitting.
The Explore Trades Sampler is a unique opportunity for women to explore a variety of trades — including Automotive, Drafting, Electrical, Heavy Mechanical, Carpentry, Welding, and Plumbing and Piping — and to acquire basic skills that will prove fundamental if you decide to become a tradesperson.
The average wage of a woman in trades is double that of a retail job. Step into the trades and enjoy the paycheque.
Join us for a tour of the Trades and Technology Centre to learn more about programs and services offered on site.
Book your tour now