Fast track your career in trades and technology.
The future is bright for individuals who have the practical education, training and expertise that is in high demand -– now and in the future.
Learn from dedicated, professional instructors who will share their real-world experience with you. Gain confidence with access to advanced technologies and equipment that will prepare you for success in more than 20 trades and technical fields.
Be your best and most confident self with the highest standards of education and training delivered by skilled instructors who know the industry and the employment needs of the marketplace.
Certificate
Transfer Program
General Information
VIU’s trades programs prepare students for entry-level and apprenticeship positions in a variety of skilled occupations. The Faculty of Trades & Applied Technology is committed to providing practical education and training to meet students’ future career and educational goals, while satisfying the employment needs of industry in the community. The programs are delivered in a workplace environment by highly-skilled instructors/trades people, and graduates are very successful in securing employment.
Trades General Admission Requirements
- Graduation from BC secondary school, or equivalent from another school system,
- Minimum 17 years of age, unless stated otherwise.
- Resume and/or personal profile and/or references may be required.
- Interview may be required.
- Mathematics and/or reading and/or trades aptitude test may be required.
- Physically fit and able to adapt to working conditions.
- Good hand/eye coordination.
- Good health, free of vision, hearing or respiratory ailments.
- Valid driver’s license will be required for vehicle and equipment operation.
Enrolment in most programs is limited. Students who meet or exceed the minimum admission requirements may not necessarily be admitted to a program.
Refer to specific Program Outlines for additional admission requirements.
Mature Student Status
* Applicants 19 years of age or older, or who will become 19 during their first two months in the program, may be admitted to VIU even if they have not completed secondary school graduation; however, most programs and courses have special prerequisites that must be completed before mature students can register for them. These prerequisite courses can be obtained through the Adult Basic Education program at VIU. Check with an Advisor to find out if prerequisites need to be completed.
Apprenticeship Programs
For all apprenticeships, approximately 80% of the training is done on-the-job and 20% is in-school technical training delivered at an accredited training institution. To become certified, an apprentice must complete on-the-job experience, successfully pass all in-school technical training and pass the Provincial or Inter-Provincial Examination with a 70% or better.
For further apprenticeship details check the VIU Apprenticeship website.
Natalie Chester
“I enrolled in the Welding and Fabrication program at VIU after working for a year and deciding to go into the trades. I received my Foundations level welding and fabrication endorsements through VIU. As a student new to welding I found the instructors extremely knowledgeable and hands-on. They supported my learning experience and taught me many techniques that will help me to get a job in industry.”