Okanagan College offers women the opportunity to explore and advance into skilled trades through mentorship, priority seating, and youth training opportunities.
We take a lifelong learning approach to supporting women in construction, manufacturing, and motive power trades. Our initiatives include:
A diverse trades workforce fosters innovation, teamwork, and professionalism, benefiting the economy and communities.
Priority seating ensures that interested women can access training and apprenticeship opportunities with reduced barriers such as application timing or demand for seats.
Those who identify as female or gender diverse have access to priority seats in all trades Foundation programs (with the exception of Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts) and in each of the apprenticeship intakes (all underrepresented trades, excludes Cook and Baker).
One seat is held in each intake until 3 months prior to the program start date.
Already know which program you want to apply for? Skip straight to the application process now!
Entry-level Foundation Program Apprenticeship Technical Training Program
Funded by the Canadian Apprenticeship Strategy, the Women in ACTION project (Apprenticeship Completion Training, Innovative Opportunities and Networking) provides mentorship opportunities to female and gender diverse apprentices and industry professionals.
The project supports 50+ events within the next three years and provides other supports such as funding for bursaries, living costs, childcare and transportation to eligible participants.
The Trades Sampler program is ideal for youth, young adults, or women wishing to learn practical skills, gain general employment certifications, and explore skilled trades careers.
This program is a unique opportunity to explore a variety of trades—including Automotive, Carpentry, Electrical, Heavy Mechanical, Plumbing and Piping, Sheet Metal and Welding, —and to acquire basic skills that will prove fundamental if you decide to become a tradesperson.
OC offers exploratory skilled Trades Summer Camps through Camp OC for girls in grades 4 - 6. These one-week youth programs focus on fostering a passion for trades, building confidence, creating friendships and developing new skills.
Designed as an immersive, hands-on experience, Try a Trade events promise to ignite your passion for hands-on learning and unveil the exciting opportunities awaiting you in the trades industry. Typically, participants will get a chance to try carpentry, electrical, sheet metal, refrigeration or plumbing in up to three, 30-minute hands-on sessions.
The events are held in OC's state-of-the-art trades shops and led by OC instructors. Events are open to youth of all genders and some events include families too!
Upcoming Try a Trade events:
Vernon Campus - March 11, 2026 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
This new hands-on, high energy annual event is for girls and gender diverse students in grades 9-12. To participate in the one-day experience, students may apply through their high school. We welcome and encourage female industry mentors, current students and OC alum to participate in this event.
Upcoming Dates:
Kelowna April 28, 2026
Become a Jill of All Trades
When you become a sponsor, you’re not just donating—you're creating a partnership built on shared values and a vision for a brighter future.
We provide tailored sponsorship packages to fit your business goals, whether it's a one-time donation or an ongoing partnership. Connect with us to discuss options for supporting women in skilled trades initiatives.
For Jill of All Trades™ event sponsorship, please email jillofalltrades@okanagan.bc.ca
For Trades Summer Camp and all other sponsorships, please email trades@okanagan.bc.ca
For inquiries about bursaries and awards, please visit Foundation | Okanagan College
Awards, Scholarships and Bursaries are funding that the student does not need to repay.
Review awards list for all trades students of all genders online at Financial Aid & Awards | Awards | Okanagan College.
In the Trading Time podcast, host John Rousseau interviews Okanagan College's Sara Cousins and Tanya Tarlit about programs inspiring youth and women to pursue trades careers. From hands-on courses for kids to initiatives like the Jill of All Trades™ event, discover how OC is addressing the region's need for skilled tradespeople.
Join an info session or become a student for a day.
Have your questions answered by a Trades and Apprenticeship staff member.
Applying to the Women in Trades Training program involves completing a participant worksheet.
