Trades & Applied Technology Programs

Aboriginal Construction

• 10–Month Entry-Level Certificate and Apprenticeship Program
• Offered at the Nanaimo campus
• Program Fees: Domestic Students, International Students
• Apply for Admission: Application form

The Program

The Aboriginal Construction Program provides an opportunity to gain skills and knowledge that give a head start in the construction industry with the benefit of learning coastal First Nations construction history and methods. Developed in consultation with the coastal First Nation's communities this program is designed for aboriginal learners with components that include recognition of cultural issues regarding education and traditional construction as well as skills development in areas such as mathematics and communications.

On successful completion, graduates will receive credit for Industry Training Authority Level I Carpentry, which provides the foundation for completion of a Carpentry apprenticeship. Apprenticeship is a tried and true method of learning and passing on knowledge and skills from Journeyperson to apprentice. The BC model provides for study and skills development over 4 years with 80% of the time in the workforce earning a living and 20% in study at a training institution or through other learning models. On completion of the apprenticeship, apprentices have the opportunity to write an Interprovincial Red Seal Exam. Successful completion provides certification that is recognized across Canada and many other places in the world.

Students will be concurrently enrolled in the Essential Skills for the Workplace: Aboriginal construction Program.

Career Opportunities

The current condition across the province is that there are more opportunities than employees in the construction industry; graduates from this program will have options in residential, commercial and industrial construction. Graduates will also find opportunities within their own communities working with First Nations to construct or maintain housing, and other community construction projects.

Apprenticeship Information

Graduates of this program may receive credit towards the technical portion of the first year of the Carpenter Apprenticeship program. In order to complete the apprenticeship and become a journeyperson, graduates would find an employer in the industry to provide the on-the-job training and return to Vancouver Island University for 6 weeks per year in each of the next three years.

The Carpenter Apprenticeship program consists of 4 years of on-the job experience combined with in-school technical training in order to become eligible to write the Interprovincial (Red Seal) examination for journeyperson certification.

For more information on apprenticeship training, please visit the website at www.itabc.ca, contact the Industry Training Centre at 1-866-660-6011, or call Tanya Reiber at Vancouver Island University toll–free at 1–888–920–2221 local 6112. Visit Vancouver Island University’s Trades and Applied Technology Apprenticeship page for more information and schedules.

Admission Requirements

• Grade 12, or equivalent, or mature student status, or on recommendation of program Chair;
• Minimum 17 years of age;
• Successful completion of assessment testing or recommendation of program Chair;
• Interview will be required.

Notes on Admission

• Preference will be given to aboriginal students, especially those with a Vancouver Island First Nations heritage. Documentation may be requested. Non–aboriginal students will be considered if space remains available.
• Physically fit and able to adapt to working conditions.
• Good hand/eye coordination.
• Good health, free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments.
• If student wishes to operate vehicles and equipment a valid driver’s license will be required.
• Enrolment in this program is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to the program.

Start Date and Application Deadline

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For further information regarding program contacts check the Program Availability List.

Program Outline

Updated November 24, 2011