Hero banner - trades

Trades and Apprenticeship

Notice: Foundation Intakes Opening October 2, 2026

Due to a technical error, the following Trades Foundation intakes will open for applications tomorrow, October 2, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

ProgramCampusStart DateEnd Date
Plumbing & Piping FoundationKelownaJuly 26, 2027January 20, 2028
Plumbing & Piping FoundationVernonJuly 26, 2027January 20, 2028
Heavy Mechanical FoundationKelownaSeptember 13, 2027June 8, 2028
Automotive Service Technician (AST) FoundationKelownaOctober 25, 2027June 15, 2028

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.

Construction Trades Career Path Info.

Mentorship OC Trades Network

Federal and Provincial Support 

Apprentice Resources

Apply now

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.

 

Space Available

We still have some space available in the classes below! If you’re interested, please submit your application as soon as possible!

Apprenticeship: Apply here

Automotive Service Technician Level 1 September 14, 2026 - October 30, 2026 @ Kelowna 

Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic Level 1 October 19 - November 26, 2026 @ Penticton

Explore Trades

Aerospace

Local, national, and global employment opportunities are soaring for certified Aircraft Maintenance professionals

Explore Aerospace

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.

Explore Collision Repair

Carpentry

Training in carpentry and joinery can help you develop skills to build a career you are proud of.

Explore Carpentry

Electrical

Train to become an Electrician who inspects and tests highly sensitive electrical systems.

Explore Electrical

Motor Vehicle Trades

Drive the direction of your career with studies in Heavy Mechanical, Automotive Service and Recreation Vehicle Service programs.

Explore Motor Vehicle Trades

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. 

Explore Mechanical Building Trades

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.

Explore Welding

Trades Continuing Studies

Expand your employment opportunities by advertising your skills with certificates.

Industry TrainingGeneral 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.

Trades Sampler Programs

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.

Explore the difference

Female collision repair student wearing a respirator mask uses a sanding wheel to smooth a car fender's surface and prepare it for paint

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.

Learn about our programs

Female Welding student stands in front of equipment with her mask flipped open on her head.

Department Update - Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts

As of January 1, 2026, the Culinary Department has officially moved under the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship.
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.

Continuing Studies

On-Campus housing available

On-campus housing currently available for  Fall 2026 (September - December), 2026 and Winter(January - March), 2027 trades classes.

Apply NOW

Awards and Bursaries

Canerector Trades Awards

Canerector Foundation logo

 

  • This award is worth $5500, for Foundation and $8000, for Diploma, don't delay.
  • Fall 2026 now open July 1st.
  • Applications will close September 15, 2026.

Domestic students with confirmed seats in Construction, Manufacturing, Motor Vehicle, Aerospace and Manufacturing Trades Foundation or Diploma classes are eligible to apply.

Apply for Canerector Trades Award Apply for other Trades Awards

Highstreet Entrance Bursaries for Foundation Level Construction Trades

Highstreet logo

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, 2026
  • Winter Entrance Awards – December 1, 2026 to February 15, 2027
  • Summer Entrance Awards - March 1 to May 31, 2026

Applications for the Highstreet Entrance Bursary are open:

Apply for Highstreet Entrance Bursaries

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 May 13, 2027 at our Kelowna Campus. 

Find out more

3D virtual trades tour

Take a self-guided tour through the Trades Training Complex and the commercial kitchens at the Kelowna campus. Navigate through shops, classrooms and kitchens virtually in 3D. Click feature points to learn facts about the building and programs.

Trades Training Complex

Commercial Kitchens

Screenshot of the Gas Training Lab from the 3D Tour

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.

Learn more    Reference Guide

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 building - Kelowna campus Spring 2025

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. 

Read Trades FAQs

Trades in the news

News

Events

Events
Event Type (field_event_type)
Event Audience (field_event_audience)
02
Oct
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
09
Oct
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
16
Oct
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
22
Oct
Try a Trade
Kelowna campus
23
Oct
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
27
Oct
Trades Fuel-Up
Kelowna campus
30
Oct
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
06
Nov
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
13
Nov
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus
20
Nov
Careers Hub Virtual Drop-In - Fridays
Online campus

Useful links

Discover

Join an info session or become a student for a day.

Discover OC

Connect

Have your questions answered by our experts.

Connect with OC

Apply

Take the next step and enrol in a program or course at OC. 

Apply OC
Trades and Apprenticeship
Address

T115 - 1000 KLO Rd.
Kelowna BC V1Y 4X8
Canada

Phone
250-762-5445
1-877-755-2266 (toll-free)
Email
trades@okanagan.bc.ca
Office Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Friday: 7:30-4:00
Saturday: Closed