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Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies

Discover pathways to trades

Interested in trade programs but not sure where to begin? Learn about the different entry points available and start building your path to a career in the trades whether it’s through a foundation program, apprenticeship training, or an alternative pathway.

Main pathways

Review the key features and differences between the two main pathways into the trades sector.

 

 

Trades foundation

  • Get the basic theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to enter a particular trade.
  • Learn in the classroom and in-school shop setting.
  • Get credit towards an apprenticeship and gain experience in your trade, making it easier to get an employer to sponsor your apprenticeship.

This path is right for you if you: 

  •   are interested in trades, and
  •   have graduated high school

 

Trades apprenticeship training

  • Combine paid work experience (about 80%) with technical training in the classroom or shop setting (about 20%). 
  • Earn a Certificate of Qualification (accepted in B.C.) or your Red Seal (recognized across Canada).
  • May take up to four years to complete.

This path is right for you if you:

  •   are already employed in trades, or 
  •   have already completed a foundation program 

 

View trades foundation programs & apprenticeship training

 

 

Alternative pathways

 

PathwaysThis is the right path for you if you are:

Explore Trades Sampler (discovery)

Try a variety of trades in 12 weeks to help you decide which one you'd like to pursue as a career. Continue to a trade foundation or start an apprenticeship.

  interested in trades, or

  a high school student

Engineering Transfer program

Spend your first year of an Engineering degree at UFV. Complete your second year at UBC or UVic, where you are guaranteed a seat upon transfer, or at another university.

  can show evidence of a strong academic history as the program is academically challenging

  can dedicate all of your time to your studies

Learn a trade in high school (dual credit)

Graduate with your high school diploma and a Level 1 certificate in one of our Trades programs. It is a tuition-free pathway (the school district covers the cost).

  still in high school

Stó:lō Aboriginal Skills Employment Training (SASET) Culinary Arts Program

A 12-week pre-apprenticeship training to prepare you for entry-level work in the culinary industry or further training.

  an Indigenous individual living in the Fraser Valley catchment area

 

Not interested in a program or apprenticeship training?

Choose from a large selection of part-time and full-time courses to try your hand at a specific trade, upgrade your current skills, or just explore new interests.

Offered through the Faculty of Applied and Technical Studies, these courses are ideal if you want to take classes for professional advancement or personal enrichment. While not all courses qualify for university credits, many of them are recognized by employers.

 

Browse courses