Learn a trade in high school

UFV Trades Dual Credit Program with School Districts 33, 34 and 78

Earn high school graduation credits and begin your journey toward a Skilled Trades career — at the same time.

The University of the Fraser Valley (UFV) Trades and Technology division partners with School District 78 (Fraser-Cascade), School District 33 (Chilliwack), and School District 34 (Abbotsford) to offer eligible high school students an incredible opportunity: a Dual Credit Program that allows students to complete both Grade 12 graduation credits and receive post-secondary certification toward a skilled trade at UFV’s Chilliwack Trades & Technology Centre.

What is the Dual Credit Program?

The Dual Credit Program allows motivated students to transition into university trades training while still in high school. There are limited seats set aside each year for dual credit students, and competition for these seats can be high. Please be aware that application does not guarantee an offer of one of these limited seats.

Students enroll as UFV adult learners, attending full time classes alongside post secondary peers. . Upon completion of their UFV program:

They earn high school credits toward graduation
They earn credit for foundation pre-apprentice training or a recognized UFV Trades certificate
They accelerate their pathway into the skilled trades sector

Dual-credit programs

Participating programs may include:

NOTE: programs offered and seat availability may change annually.

Why choose Dual Credit?

1. Graduate with a head start

Students earn credits for high school graduation and complete recognized training that moves them toward Red Seal apprenticeship pathways.

2. Experience university life early

Students attend UFV’s Chilliwack Trades campus full‑time, gaining hands-on learning in state‑of‑the-art shops, labs, and kitchens with experienced instructors.

3. Save on tuition costs

While school districts typically fund the tuition portion of Dual Credit programs, students are responsible for covering their own student fees, textbooks, tools, and required personal protective equipment (PPE). Arrangements for transportation vary by school districts; please check with your career counselor.

4. Build employable skills

Students gain real-world, job-ready skills in a high‑demand trade that can open doors to immediate employment or continued apprenticeship training.

Eligibility requirements

Students must:

Be registered in SD78, SD33, or SD34 and complete district-specific application processes
Be on track to complete Grade 12 graduation requirements during Grade 11
Meet UFV entrance requirements for their chosen trades program

Am I ready to be a Dual Credit student?

Ask yourself a few questions and be honest with yourself.

Am I genuinely interested in this trade? (If you’re just looking for “something to do” because you’ve already completed your high school grad requirements, that likely isn’t a good enough reason. If, however, you have a genuine curiosity or passion for the trade, then this might be a great fit for you!)
Do I have strong math skills? (You can preview the type of math used in trades through this BCcampus Math resource or Trades Math Workbook)
Am I willing to attend school on time and consistently? (All programs have an attendance policy, and there is an expectation that all students will attend class full-time throughout the program.)
Am I okay with being away from my high school during my Grade 12 year? (This isn’t for everyone, and it’s okay to think about this question seriously.)

School-based career programs staff will support students through the application process, including referrals, interviews, and academic planning.

Where to apply

Application processes vary slightly by school district. Visit your district’s career education site for timelines, application details, and contact information:

SD 33, Chilliwack Dual Credit and Career Programs

SD 34, Abbotsford Career Programs and Student Applications

SD 78, Fraser-Cascade Career Transitions and Trades Programs

Career facilitators in each district can help determine readiness, guide students through the application process, and support the transition to UFV.

Program location

All Dual Credit Trades training takes place at:

UFV Trades and Technology Centre
Chilliwack, Canada Education Park

Start your career in the skilled trades

The UFV Dual Credit Program offers students a powerful jump-start into meaningful, hands-on, in-demand careers. If you're ready to explore welding, automotive service, carpentry, electrical, or another skilled trade, this program gives you a direct pathway from high school to the workforce — with university recognition.