Trades and Apprenticeship
The tools for your future are here
Okanagan College offers the newest equipment and technologies in state-of-the-art training facilities located in Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm, and Penticton. Students master skills taught by industry-leading instructors while gaining hands-on experience. Learn in small classes, in more than 20 different programs that have provincial, national and international recognition. Whether you are seeking Red Seal certification or one-time specialty industry training, education at OC sets you up for a successful career.
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Already know which program you want to apply for? Skip straight to the application process now!
| Entry-level Foundation Program *To explore our programs and schedules, see below. Training Schedules and availability for each program are included under each individual program page. | Apprenticeship Technical Training Program *Apprenticeship Technical Training programs are designed for registered apprentices who are already working in the industry. |
Last-minute seats available for Apprentice intakes!
- Welder level 1 - March 23 - May 15, 2026
- Carpenter level 1 - April 20 - June 4, 2026
- Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Level 1 - May 4 - June 11, 2026
- Heavy Mechanical Trades Level 1 - May 11 - July 17, 2026
- Automotive Refinishing L2 June 8 - June 26, 2026
Explore Trades
Aerospace
Local, national, and global employment opportunities are soaring for certified Aircraft Maintenance professionals
Collision Repair
Focus on attention to detail and the importance of high-quality repairs while learning from Red Seal-certified instructors and the latest equipment.
Carpentry
Training in carpentry and joinery can help you develop skills to build a career you are proud of.
Electrical
Train to become an Electrician who inspects and tests highly sensitive electrical systems.
Motor Vehicle Trades
Drive the direction of your career with studies in Heavy Mechanical, Automotive Service and Recreation Vehicle Service programs.
Mechanical Building Trades
This department focuses on maintenance, testing and operation of all heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, the distribution of steam, water systems including fire prevention sprinklers, natural gas or propane systems and building plumbing systems.
Welding
Spark your skills by learning a variety of welding processes and using specialized equipment to create a solid bond between metal plate and/or pipe.
Trades Continuing Studies
Expand your employment opportunities by advertising your skills with certificates.
| Industry Training | General Interest |
| Corporate Training |
Trades Sampler Programs
Trades Sampler programs are ideal for learning practical skills, gain general employment certifications and explore a variety of trades.
Foundation vs apprenticeship: what's the difference?
Foundation programs are entry-level training programs for people with little or no experience in the field. Apprenticeships are for people working in the trade for an employer who sponsors their education and training.
Women in Skilled Trades
To boost apprentice numbers, especially among women and underrepresented groups, OC will partner with industry, school districts, SkilledTradesBC, Canadian Women in Engineering, Science, Trades and Technology, and others.
We will focus on raising awareness and encouraging trades interest among school age students and families, while offering more support for females in introductory programs and technical training.
Department Update - Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts
As of January 1, 2026, the Culinary Department has officially moved under the Business Department.
To find the most up-to-date program information, schedules, and contacts, please visit the Food, Wine and Tourism web page.
Food, Wine and Tourism
If you are looking to book the Professional Cook Practical Assessment, please contact the Continuing Studies Department.
On-Campus housing available
On-campus housing currently available for Winter 2026 (February and March) and Spring 2026 (April to June) trades classes.
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Awards and Bursaries
Canerector Trades Awards
- This award is worth $5500, for Foundation and $8000, for Diploma, don't delay.
- Winter 2026 are open.
- Applications will close February 20, 2026.
Domestic students with confirmed seats in Construction, Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle, Aerospace and Manufacturing Trades Foundation or Diploma classes are eligible to apply.
Highstreet Entrance Bursaries for Foundation Level Construction Trades
Thirteen (13) entrance bursaries are available – valued at $6,500 each!
Up to 4 bursaries are High School Entrance, designated for those who have graduated from a BC Secondary school in the last 18 months.
Students must be entering a construction trade: Carpenter, Carpenter-Joiner, Electrician, Plumbing & Piping, Refrigeration & AC Mechanic, Sheet Metal Worker, or Welder Foundation/Pre-Apprenticeship.
Learn how to apply for this bursary
- Fall Entrance Awards – July 1 to September 15, 2025
- Winter Entrance Awards – December 1, 2025 to February 15
- Summer Entrance Awards - March 1 to May 31
Applications for the Highstreet Entrance Bursary are open:
Jill of All Trades™ is a day-long event to inspire young women in Grades 9-12 to pursue education and careers in skilled trades and apprenticeship. Jill of All Trades™ has been a tremendous success internationally. The event includes many hands-on workshops in the motive power, manufacturing, and construction trades sectors. Female mentors lead these workshops to help young women develop a better understanding of the potential of skilled trades’ careers.
Okanagan College will be hosting the next Jill of All Trades event April 28, 2026 at our Kelowna Campus.
Trades Entrance Assessment (TEA)
The Trades Entrance Assessment is designed to provide an alternative entrance option for applicants who may not have met the required Math and/or English entrance requirements for a foundation program within the allowable time frame or cannot provide official documentation proving such. You must apply for a Trades Foundation Program and receive a response from Admission before you can register for this assessment.
Set yourself up for success!
The Trades Success Centre can assist you with preparing for the Trades Entrance Exam (TEA). Whether you have been out of high school a few years, are making a career change or have never attended post-secondary education, we can help set you up for success!
Get prepared to write the TEA by contacting Trades Success Centre Coordinator, Elke Pritchard, by email at epritchard@okanagan.bc.ca.
Learn more about Success Centres here.
Trades Frequently Asked Questions
Click on "Read Trades FAQ" for a list of commonly asked questions from trades students to help prepare yourself for training.
Trades in the news
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