Trades Continuing Studies
BC Employer Training Grant
Trades Industry Training courses and corporate training may be eligible for the BC Employer Training Grant.
Employers can apply to receive 80% of the cost of training up to $10,000 per employee, with a maximum annual amount per employer of $300,000. The B.C. Employer Training Grant provides funding to small, medium and large enterprises to support skills training for their workforces.
To find out more information including eligibility criteria and how to apply visit: BC Employer Training Grant
Corporate Training
Okanagan College’s Trades Corporate Training is designed to deliver continuous learning to your organization through personalized contract training.
We offer customized, private training programs tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses, non-profits, and professional associations.
Trades Industry Training
Electrical
Prerequisite Required
Field Safety Representative (FSR)
*Newly developed self-paced online course now available
Mechanical Building
Prerequisite Required
Cross Connection Control - Backflow Preventer Tester's License*
Cross Control Backflow Preventer Tester Recertification
Cross Connection Control Exam
Non - Prerequisite
Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Awareness Program
Boiler Basic Safety Awareness
Course offered at Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm & Penticton Campuses
Motor Vehicle
Prerequisite Required
Battery Electric Vehicle Technology and Service
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): Calibration and Diagnostics
Authorized Inspectors Course
Formerly known as Private/Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program
Airbrakes Repairer for Mechanics
Class 2 Driver's Training *NEW*
Continuous enrollment
Non - Prerequisite
Air Brakes Endorsement Theory and Pre-Trip Inspection
Course offered at Kelowna, Penticton, Salmon Arm, Revelstoke & Vernon Campuses
Tractor Maintenance
Facility Operator Course
Formerly known as Designated Inspection Facility Operator
Self guided online course: continuous open enrollment
Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Awareness Program
Continuous open enrollment
Micro-Credential Course
Non - Prerequisite
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Introduction & Installation
Apply to OC Now
Prerequisite Required
Solar Photovoltaic Systems for Professionals
Windows and Doors Installations and Retrofit: Advanced Hands-on Module 2
Foreperson Skills
Non - Prerequisite
Foreperson Foundational Skills - Electrical
Foreperson Foundational Skills - HVAC/Plumbing
Foreperson Foundational Skills - Framing
Foreperson Foundational Skills - All Trades
Safety Training
Non - Prerequisite
Forklift Truck Operator - Non-Experienced
Course offered at Kelowna, Penticton & Vernon Campuses
H2S Alive
Fall Protection
Ground Disturbance
Trades Interprovincial Red Seal Refreshers
On December 1, 2022, Industry Training Authority (ITA) became SkilledTradesBC. While their role in advancing B.C.'s skilled trades system hasn’t changed, it has expanded. This includes a larger focus on raising the profile of skilled trades, modernizing their approach to trades training, and implementing Skilled Trades Certification.
Under Skilled Trades Certification, it is mandatory for all trade workers to be a registered apprentice or fully certified to work in specific trades, starting with seven electrical and mechanical trades in December 2023. Three automotive trades will be introduced as Skilled Trades Certification trades in 2024 and will have one year to transition once announced.
Open for Registration:
- Auto Body & Collision Technician
- Automotive Service Technician
- Construction Electrician
- Gasfitter A
- Gasfitter B
- Heavy Duty Equipment Technician
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic
- Sheet Metal Worker
Prerequisites:
Students must satisfy the minimum requirements as established by the SkilledTrades BC (STBC). All participants must provide Okanagan College with their SkilledTradesBC Trade Worker ID #. Access to the online course will be granted once proof of approval is emailed to trades@okanagan.bc.ca.
Trades General Interest Programs
Trades Kids Programs
Trades Kids programs are back! Trades Explorer programs are also available for youth.
These exciting, weekend trades programs are designed to help kids and youth learn new hands-on skills in our state-of-the-art Trades Training Complex at the Kelowna campus, the Centre of Excellence at the Penticton campus and Vernon Trades.
New programs are being added on a regular basis. Join our mailing list to receive announcements about upcoming programs.
Private Group Sessions
Looking for a unique, enriching experience for your team or youth group? We offer the flexibility to tailor any of our youth courses into a private group session—perfect for youth organizations in search of engaging, educational opportunities. Contact Trades Program Coordinator for more information.
Kelowna Campus
Young Adult Small Engine Repair
March 21, Sat 9am - 1pm
June 27, Sat 9am - 1pm
New Drivers
March 14, Sat 9am - 1pm
Vernon Campus
Young Adult Small Engine Repair
Not currently offered.
New Drivers
Not currently offered
Trades Adults Programs
These NEW programs give adults the opportunity to explore the trades and learn new hands-on skills in our state-of-the-art Trades Training Complex at the Kelowna campus, Centre of Excellence at the Penticton campus and Vernon Trades.
Online registration now open!
New programs are being added on a regular basis. Join our mailing list to receive announcements about upcoming programs.
Private Group Sessions
Looking for a unique, enriching experience for your team or youth group? We offer the flexibility to tailor any of our general interest courses into a private group session—perfect for businesses seeking team-building activities in search of engaging, fun and educational opportunities. Contact Trades Program Coordinator for more information.
Vernon Campus
Auto Masters - New Driver
Not currently scheduled
Small Engine Repair
Not currently scheduled
Auto Masters - Women
Not currently scheduled
Intro to Tools
Not currently scheduled
Salmon Arm Campus
Welding Essential Skills
Not currently scheduled
Intro to TIG Welding
Not currently scheduled
Intro to MIG Welding
Not currently scheduled
Intro to Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Not currently scheduled
Kelowna Campus
Intro to Tools
Feb 28, Sat 9am-1pm
Introduction to Power Tool Safety
Mar 28, Sat 9am-1pm
Auto Masters - Adult
June 6, Sat 9am-1pm
Small Engine Repair
May 23, Sat 9am-1pm
Motorcycle Maintenance
Apr 11, Sat 9am-1pm
Auto Masters - New Drivers
Mar 14, Sat 9am-1pm
Welding Series
Welding Essentials
Apr 18, Sat 9am-3pm
May 23, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to MIG Welding
Mar 21, Sat 9am-3pm
May 30, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Stick Welding
Mar 7, Sat 9am-3pm
June 6, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to TIG Welding
April 11, Sat 9am-3pm
June 27, Sat 9am-3pm
Metal Flower Workshop
May 9, Sat 9am-3pm
June 20, Sat 9am-3pm
Upcoming New Courses
Foreperson Skills - Now Online
Foreperson Foundational Skills – Electrical
Foreperson Foundational Skills – HVAC/Plumbing
Foreperson Foundational Skills – Framing
Foreperson Foundational Skills – All Trades
Welding Courses
Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon
- Welding Essential Skills - One Day Course
After completing the Essential Skills increase your skills with:
- Intro to Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding
- Intro to Shielded Metal Arc (stick) Welding
- Intro to Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) Welding
Withdrawal/Refund Policy
No refunds or transfers will be issued one week prior to the start of the class. As well, no refunds or transfers will be provided for individuals who do not attend a course.
All refunds are issued by cheque to the registered student unless there is a Sponsorship Agreement in place. Refunds do not include the cost of books or other supplies. Refunds may take up to six weeks to process.
If the student has not received the materials when they are approved for the refund, then the cost of the materials should be refunded.
Refund policy exceptions are made on compassionate grounds or special circumstances. In such cases a written request for refund, accompanied by appropriate documentation (i.e. medical, court subpoena) must be submitted to the department for approval.
Trades Corporate Training
Trades Corporate Training at Okanagan College is about bringing ongoing learning to your organization through customized contract training.
We provide private training for businesses, non-profit organizations, and professional associations. Whether you have a group of employees with a specific skills gap, want to provide training as a service for your own clients, or need a comprehensive training and development plan across your company, we can help. Our customized training includes:
- Industry specific instructors
- Tailored curriculum
- Training at your location, ours, or online
- Custom training dates
- Assistance with government grants
Okanagan College can deliver your training where and when you need it. Contact us at trades@okanagan.bc.ca to get started.
