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:
Trades Industry Training
Culinary
Prerequisite Required
Professional Cook Practical Re-assessments
PC-1, PC-2 and PC-3.
Electrical
Prerequisite Required
Field Safety Representative (FSR)
*Coming soon
Foreperson Foundational Skills – Electrical
Mechanical Building
Prerequisite Required
Cross Connection Control - Backflow Preventer Tester's License*
Cross Control Backflow Preventer Tester Recertification
Cross Connection Control Exam
Gasfitter B
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
The Battery Electric Vehicle Technology and Service program is designed for advanced, Red Seal endorsed technicians wanting to elevate their skills and knowledge of EV vehicles through this 36 hour course. Course delivery will be a combination of 6 hours of online learning and 30 hours of on-campus instruction.
Authorized Inspectors Course
Formerly known as Private/Commercial Vehicle Inspection Program
Airbrakes Repairer for Mechanics
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
Forklift Truck Operator - Non-Experienced
Course offered at Kelowna, Penticton & Vernon Campuses
Canada's Ozone Layer Protection Awareness Program
Continuous open enrollment
Safety Training
Non - Prerequisite
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 .
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.
SkilledTradesBC has also enhanced supports to Apprentices and Trade Qualifiers, or , in the Skilled Trades Certification trades. To help Apprentices and Trade Qualifiers pass their IP Red Seal exams, SkilledTradesBC is subsidizing tuition for participants who take exam refresher courses at $170 per 30-hours (1 week) of course time. The following courses may qualify for this subsidy.
In Development:
- 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
Trades General Interest ÎüʪÊÓƵ
Trades Kids ÎüʪÊÓƵ
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.
![young girl using a piece of equipment inside the sheet metal shop](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2020-12/IMG_1038.jpg?h=a4721b0b&itok=5lSWETZG)
Vernon Campus
Auto Masters - New Drivers
Jun 22, 9am - 1pm
CAMP OC Trades
This summer Trades and Apprenticeship will welcome kids between grades 4-9 into our shops to experience a wide variety of trades at our Kelowna, Vernon and Penticton campuses. Trades explored include Automotive, Carpentry, Concrete, Electrical, Medal Working, Pastry Arts, Plumbing and Welding.
Kelowna Trades Camps
Week | Camp | Location |
July 22-26 2024 | Build Your Dream Home Grades 7-9 | Kelowna |
July 22-26 2024 | Jr. Secret of a Pastry Chef Grades 4-6 | Kelowna |
July 22-26 2024 | Girls Can Go Kart Too Grades 4-6 | Kelowna |
July 29-Aug 2 2024 | Go-Kart Grades 7-9 | Kelowna |
July 29-Aug 2 2024 | Intro to Trades Grades 7-9 | Kelowna |
July 29-Aug 2 2024 | Secret of a Pastry Chef Grades 7-9 | Kelowna |
July 29-Aug 2 2024 | Explore the Trades for Girls Grades 4-6 | Kelowna |
Aug 6-9 2024 | Meddling with Metal Grades 7-9 | Kelowna |
Penticton Trades Camps
Week | Camp | Location |
July 29-Aug 2 2024 | Meddling with Metal Grades 7-9 | Penticton |
Aug 12-16 2024 | Explore the Trades Grades 4-6 | Penticton |
Vernon Trades Camps
Week | Camp | Location |
Aug 12-16 2024 | Build Your Dream Home Grades 7-9 | Vernon |
Aug 12-16 2024 | Meddling with Metal Grades 7-9 | Vernon |
![]() | This summer, The CWB Foundation has partnered with OC's Trades Department to support all 3 Meddling with Medal camps. Thank you to the CWB Foundation for your support. |
Trades Adults ÎüʪÊÓƵ
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.
![women using tire change over equipment in automotive shop](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2020-12/29983292_1925041534232940_782452765944758010_o%20%281%29.jpg?h=84f21f91&itok=9hvL6f0u)
Kelowna Campus
Motorcycle Maintenance: Winterization
Sep 7, Sat 9am-1pm
Custom-Made and Created Charcuterie Board Workshop
Sept 14, Sat 9am - 1pm & Sept 21, Sat 9am-3pm
Dec 7, Sat 9am - 1pm & Dec 14, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Tools
Oct 5, Sat 9am-1pm
Small Engine Repair
Nov 2-3, Sat- Sun 9am-1pm
Auto Masters - Women
Nov 16, Sat 9am-1pm
Wood Christmas Project
Nov 30, Sat & Sun 9am-1pm
Welding Series
Welding Essential Skills
Sep 21, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding
Oct 19, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) Welding
Nov 2, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Shielded Metal Arc (stick) Welding
Dec 7, Sat 9am-3pm
Vernon Campus
Small Engine Repair
Oct 5-6, Sat & Sun 9am-1pm
Motorcycle Maintenance: Winterization
Oct 19, Sat & Sun 9am-1pm
Wood Christmas Project
Nov 23, Sat & Sun 9am-1pm
Metal Flower Workshop
Nov 16, Sat 9am-1pm
Feb 1, Sat 9am-1pm
Welding Series
Welding Essential Skills
Sep 7, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding
Sep 14, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Shielded Metal Arc (stick) Welding
Sep 21, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) Welding
Sep 28, Sat 9am-3pm
Penticton Campus
Intro to Tools
Jun 15, Sat 9am-1pm
Welding Series
Welding Essential Skills
Sep 7, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Gas Metal Arc (MIG) Welding
Oct 5, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Gas Tungsten Arc (TIG) Welding
Nov 16, Sat 9am-3pm
Intro to Shielded Metal Arc (stick) Welding
Dec 14, Sat 9am-3pm
Culinary Workshops
These NEW workshops give adults the opportunity to learn new recipes and culinary techniques in a commercial kitchen setting under the guidance of Red Seal Chefs.
Online registration now open!
Receive an email notification when upcoming workshops are opened for registration.
Join our mailing list
![Culinary Arts student holding a beautifully plated meal](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2022-09/20190311_okanagan-college-kelowna-6524_47924863892_o.jpg?h=06ac0d8c&itok=zb6lxj-O)
Learn to Cook Series
Taste of Thailand
Jul 20, Sat 9am-3pm
Custom-Made and Created Charcuterie Board Workshop
Sept 14, Sat 9am - 1pm & Sept 21, Sat 9am-3pm
Dec 7, Sat 9am - 1pm & Dec 14, Sat 9am-3pm
Boa Buns and Beer
Sep 14, Sat 9am-3pm
Mexican
Oct 5, Sat 9am-3pm
Art of Seafood
Oct 19, Sat 9am-3pm
Vietnamese
Nov 2, Sat 9am-3pm
Sushi & More
Nov 23, Sat 9am-3pm
Handcrafted Pasta Mastery
Dec 7, Sat 9am-3pm
Italian
Jan 11, Sat 9am-3pm
Bread and Pastry Series
Pie and Pie Crusts
Aug 10, Sat 9am-3pm
Pâte Brisée, Pâte Sucrée, Lemon Curd, and Pastry Cream
Sep 7, Sat 9am-3pm
Hand-Crafted Breads and Specialty Rolls
Sep 21, Sat 9am-3pm
Baguette, Challah, and Milk Bread
Oct 5, Sat 9am-3pm
The Art of Puff Pastry and Pastry Cream Creations
Nov 16, Sat 9am-3pm
Whole Grain Varieties, Bagels, and Focaccia Mastery
Nov 30, Sat 9am-3pm
Christmas Baking
Dec 7, Sat 9am-3pm
Upcoming New Courses
Foreperson Foundational Skills – Electrical
Kelowna
July 20
Aug 24
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
![Welding](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2024-02/20190304_Okanagan%20College%20-%20Vernon-1317.jpg?h=734af668&itok=xZjcSIfN)
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 ÎüʪÊÓƵ 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
ÎüʪÊÓƵ can deliver your training where and when you need it. Contact us at trades@okanagan.bc.ca to get started.
![student driving a yellow forklift lifting a wooden pallet with beautiful clear sunny sky in the background](/sites/default/files/styles/mobile_landscape/public/2020-10/IMG_7314.jpg?h=a4721b0b&itok=4PeOnegn)